CSPI Report Criticizes Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has issued a report alleging that “nearly 80 percent of food ads on the popular children’s network Nickelodeon are for foods of poor nutritional quality.” Titled “Better-For-Who? Revisiting company promises on food marketing to children,” the analysis purportedly revealed that one-fourth of the food and beverage advertisements aired on Nickelodeon “were from companies that don’t participate in the industry’s self-regulatory program,” the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI). The watchdog also criticized CFBAI signatories for promoting products that failed to meet CSPI’s stringent nutritional benchmarks. “Of the 452 foods and beverages that companies say are acceptable to market to children, CSPI found that 267, or nearly 60 percent, do not meet CSPI’s recommended nutrition standards for food marketing to children,” claimed the group in a November 24, 2009, press release.
“Nickelodeon should be ashamed that it earns so much money from carrying commercials that promote obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in young children,” said CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo Wootan. “If media and food companies don’t do a better job exercising corporate responsibility when they market foods to children, Congress and the FTC will need to step in to protect kids’ health.”
Meanwhile, CFBAI has defended its role in reshaping “the landscape of children’s food.” According to CFBAI Vice President Elaine Kolish, CSPI’s “yes or no matrix” does not track significant changes made by companies committed to reformulating their products and improving nutritional profiles. When asked whether the CSPI survey is helpful, Kolish reportedly stated, “A little bit of both. When it is perceived as negative, it can be discouraging for companies trying to do the right thing.” See FoodNavigator-USA.com, December 1, 2009.
