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June 21, 2005
Harkin Amendment Would Require FTC to Study Food Advertising to Children
The U.S. Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science approved an amendment by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today to require the federal Trade Commission to produce a report on food advertising to chidren by July 1, 2006.
Our Members of Congress should do much more than just require the FTC to study food marketing to children. For example, they should ban the marketing of junk food in public schools, and eliminate all federal tax subsidies for marketing to children under 12 years of age.
Nevertheless, the Harkin amendment is a step forward in reducing the incidence of childhood obesity in the United States. Kudos to Senator Harkin for winning the amendment.
The amendment says: "Childhood Obesity.-The Committee is concerned about the growing rate of childhood and adolescent obesity and the food industry’s marketing practices for these populations. The Committee directs the FTC to submit a report to the Committee by July 1, 2006, on marketing activities and expenditures of the food industry targeted toward children and adolescents. The report should include an analysis of commercial advertising time on television, radio, and in print media; in-store marketing; direct payments for preferential shelf placement; events; promotions on packaging; all Internet activities; and product placement in television shows, movies, and video games."
Posted by Gary Ruskin at June 21, 2005 12:25 PM
Comments
It's very encouraging that the U.S. Senate is at least preparing a report on food advertising to children.
And, thanks, as usual, to Commercial Alert for bringing this to our attention. You guys do such great work!
But let's just hope the U.S. government does a lot more than just study the adevertising situation! Action such as that recommended by your organization what we need.
Forgive me if I'm horribly unrealistic but since I'm a journalist accustomed to tight deadlines, it strikes me that it is taking way too long to research and write this important, should-be-done now report. Why won't it be ready until July 1, 2006?
Connie
Founder, www.SugarShockBlog.com and www.SugarShock.com
Author, SUGAR SHOCK! (Upcoming)
Posted by: Connie at June 26, 2005 05:09 PM
It is very encouraging that the U.S. Senate is at least preparing a report on food advertising to children. It has become almost obscene in some magazines.
As a nutrition teacher in a Middle School I am up against parents and other teachers making fund raisers out of Junk food. class parties are pizza and pop. Candy sales after school and at sporting events. It has truly gotten out of hand. The almighty dollar is more important than our childrens health and well being.
I understand that journalists, publishers need to make money but money can be made by persuing other avenues of advertising. Junk food is just one type of ads that are prevalent, the sex-based ads are also being seen and read by our youth. It won't be as easy but it can be done.
As a nation I would think we would want to be the smartest, healthiest, etc. But our high intellect hasn't lent us to this venue. Once again, Money comes out ahead of our common sense.
I look forward to the report.
Posted by: Penney at June 28, 2005 08:01 AM
I am a parent who is deeply concerned with the epidemic occurring in our youth. Childhood obesity continues to plague our youth. I am appalled at the number of advertisements for fast food, high calorie, and high fat foods. As a parent, I wish that I had been more conscious of the foods that I gave to my children and to those foods they have at school. I now, am taking steps to change our eating habits at home. However, without the held of Congress, I cannot change our nations schools. Don't wait another year. This is our child we are talking about. Please realize the long-term cost to our nation each year as healthcare costs continue to raise. We need drastic measures to stop this epidemic. Now is the time! Not only do we need to control the media, we need to continue to remove unhealthy snacks and lunches from our schools and increase our physical education classes in school.
Posted by: Robin Sims at June 28, 2005 09:30 AM
