Nutritional quality of foods and non-alcoholic beverages advertised on Brazilian free-to-air television : a cross-sectional study

This study assessed the nutritional profile of foods and non-alcoholic beverages advertised on Brazilian television by applying the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO/Europe) nutrient profiling models. Food and beverage represented 18% of the total ads shown on selected channels. Over 80% advertised on Brazilian TV channels did not meet the PAHO and the WHO/Europe nutritional quality standards and were considered eligible for marketing restrictions. Altogether, 10 transnational and local food and beverage companies, two large international fast-food chains and two of Brazil’s largest supermarket retailers accounted for almost 90% of unhealthy food ads shown