FTC Plans Study Aimed at Food Marketing to Children, Adolescents

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plans to conduct a study of food marketing to children and adolescents for a follow-up report to its 2008 study titled “Marketing Food to Children and Adolescents: A Review of Industry Expenditures, Activities, and Self-Regulation.” FTC seeks public comments by November 23, 2009, on proposed information requests to approximately 45 major food and beverage companies and quick-service restaurants about their marketing activities, expenditures and nutritional information concerning food and beverage products marketed to children and adolescents.

FTC plans to evaluate possible changes in the nutritional content and variety of youth-marketed foods, and “proposes to seek scientific and market research exploring psychological and other factors that may contribute to food advertising appeal among youth.” See Federal Register, September 21, 2009.