Webinar on Unpacking deception: How misleading food marketing targets children – and the role of the Consumer Protection Act 2008 [10 June 2025]

Webinar on Unpacking deception: How misleading food marketing targets children – and the role of the Consumer Protection Act 2008 [10 June 2025]

The Socio-Economic Rights Project at the Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape, invites you to a timely and impactful webinar on how South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008 can be used to challenge misleading food and beverage marketing targeted at children.
  • What doi event news: SER
  • When 10 Jun, 2025 from 01:00 PM to 02:30 PM (Africa/Johannesburg / UTC200)
  • Where Zoom
  • Contact Name
  • Add event to calendar iCal

Why Participate?

Children in South Africa are increasingly exposed to aggressive advertising of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat—often disguised with claims like “vitamin-enriched,” “immune-boosting,” or “high in vitamin C.” These tactics mislead caregivers and promote unhealthy eating habits, contributing to rising rates of childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases. While the CPA provides tools to prohibit deceptive advertising, its potential to regulate food marketing to children remains largely untapped.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Insight into how companies use misleading health and nutrition claims
  • An understanding of the CPA’s strengths and gaps in curbing these practices
  • Practical steps for parents, educators, and advocates to hold food marketers accountable
  • A roadmap for activating the CPA’s redress mechanisms to protect children

Join us to explore how legal tools can support ethical food marketing and healthier futures for South Africa’s children.

Panellists:

  • Alice Khan – School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape
  • Aisosa Jennifer Omoruyi – Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape
  • Petronell Kruger – Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA)

Facilitator: Favour Akanbi - Faculty of Law, University of the Western Cape

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Following registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the webinar.

We acknowledge the Global Centre for Legal Innovation on Food Environments at the O’Neill Institute, Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington, DC, for their generous support in making this webinar possible.