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FTC plans study on junk food ads aimed at kids
The Monterey County Herald (Sat 18 Nov 2006 Byline: By DAVID GOLDSTEIN)
writes that with childhood obesity soaring and an array of cereals, snacks and sodas plastered with images of kid-friendly characters, the Federal Trade Commission is taking steps to examine how manufacturers market to children. A federal Institute of Medicine report said two years ago that the food industry spent $10 billion to $12 billion annually to reach children through the media, promotions, packaging and other means, often relying on popular cartoon characters. Last year, the institute concluded that the flood of junk-food ads was linked to growing waistlines. At Congress' request, the FTC is prepared to force about 50 food and beverage manufacturers and fast-food restaurant companies to fork over details on how much they spend on such marketing and how they do market.
Some health and consumer watchdogs wonder how aggressively the FTC can regulate advertising directed at children. In 1980, under pressure from the industry, lawmakers stripped the FTC of its rule- making authority over such ads.
But amid growing concerns over childhood obesity, Congress asked the agency last year to begin studying the matter.
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