Limits on Food Ads for Kids

An article in the Wall Street Journal published last week, on March 15th, discusses how certain groups are urging the placement of restrictions on food ads for children. The Consumers International and the International Obesity Task Force have together created a code for marketing to kids that they hope the government will adopt. 

The groups want to ban ads for foods and beverages that are high in fat, sugar, and salt between the hours of 6 a.m and 9 p.m on both the radio and television. They also want to ban food ads on social network sites that are often used by a younger demographic, giving away gifts or toys as a way to promote unhealthy food, and the use of celebrities and cartoon characters in this type of foods ads. 

A spokesperson of Consumers International named Luke Upchurch says "What we're asking for is a global code so that consumers everywhere are protected from junk-food marketing. There's a disputer about what constitutes child marketing. The food industry world say under 12, but at least under 16 is what we want."

These groups are approaching health ministers in a hope that they will discuss the code during the World Health Assembly. This is an annual meeting that establishes policies that will be held in May by the World Health Assembly. If they enforce the code individual governments will have to decide if they would like to adopt this marketing restrictions through legislation.

Some companies such as General Mills, Kellogg, McDonalds, and PepsiCo have already started to participate in these types of restrictions. They all have pledged to not advertise to kids under 12 types of products that don't meet certain nutrition standards. Maybe thats why all McDonalds recent commercials feature happy means with milk and apples instead of soda and fries.

I think this is an important code that should be passed and enforced. Obesity has become such a major issue in our nation and needs to be dealt with at a young age!