Balancing Children's Interests: Ethical Marketing for Burger King and Pharmaceutical Companies
By Alan Carter, PharmD | Last Updated:
Reviewed by Dr Ross Walker
Burger King's marketing campaigns have been diverse and impactful over the years, from removing plastic toys from kids' meals in the UK to promote sustainability to evolving the iconic mascot, The Burger King. The company has used various slogans and strategies, such as "Aren't You Hungry?" and "Taste Is King". However, Burger King's marketing tactics have not been without controversy. In 2008, the company faced criticism for cross-promoting with the PG-13 film Iron Man, which included Burger King product placement. This partnership raised concerns about promoting junk food and violence to young children.
In a similar vein, pharmaceutical companies have faced scrutiny for their marketing practices, particularly when targeting children. For instance, direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it exposes children to potentially inappropriate messaging about prescription drugs. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Order CS has called for a ban on DTCA, citing concerns about the impact on children's health and the potential for overprescription.
The pharmaceutical industry's self-regulatory efforts, such as the industry's voluntary guidelines for DTCA, have been criticized for not effectively addressing these concerns. The Federal Trade Commission has also weighed in, urging the industry to improve its self-regulation and better protect children from potentially harmful messaging.
Both Burger King's and pharmaceutical companies' marketing practices highlight the need for stronger regulations and self-regulation to protect children from potentially inappropriate or harmful messaging. By working together, industry, regulators, and advocacy groups can ensure that marketing campaigns serve the best interests of children and families.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and medications.
About Author
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancarterpharmd
Alan Carter, PharmD currently is Adjunct Clinical Faculty for the Division of Pharmacy Practice, University of Missouri - Kansas City. Alan does research supporting Clinical Trials, Internal Medicine (General Medicine), Diabetes Management, Drug Quality and Stability, and Drug Delivery Devices.