A recent public opinion survey by the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) found that 82 percent of Americans think food companies aren't doing enough to help combat obesity. Though a staggering number of food companies say they're reformulating products to make them healthier, consumers are looking for more.

"US based companies are complying with government initiatives in Europe that curb junk food advertising to kids, limit fat and salt content in processed foods, and call for nutrition information on the front of food packages, but are opposing such steps in the US..."

The survey also found that Americans still think there is too much advertising of junk food to children and that the government should get more involved in combating childhood obesity. Source: FoodNavigator.com.

Labels: advertising, food_companies, junk_food

Last year, the Council of Better Business Bureau's Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative was created as a means of self-regulation for the Food and Beverage Industry and its advertising to children. Today, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Edward Markey submitted letters to five leading food companies which are not currently part of the Initiative.

"'I am writing to you to ascertain whether your company will join the CBBB initiative and commit to implementing marketing restrictions that meet or exceed those of the other companies that have made pledges, and if so, your timeline for doing so,' wrote Chairman Markey on Wednesday."

Participants in the initiative adopted certain nutrition standards that determine which foods and beverages will and will not be marketed to young children. There are currently 12 companies involved, include Coca-Cola, Hershey, and Kellogg. Among those not involved are Nestle, Dannon, and ConAgra.

Copper Canyon Academy, struggling girls boarding schools, offer programs to help teenage girls deal with their emotions and behaviors while getting caught up academically.

Labels: advertising, food_companies, marketing

A government task force that has focused on food marketing to children is releasing a report on September 19th in which it's expected to acknowledge the advertising self-regulation that's taking place at the nation's largest food companies.

"The actions they've already announced are expected to be a big part of the report: Set nutritional guidelines for the foods they will market to kids under 12 in shows targeted to children. Some have also agreed to limit or end host selling of snack or fatty foods by familiar TV characters, and encourage exercise and healthy diet both through programs in the community and storylines in shows."

The Food and Beverage Industry, by imposing its own regulations, is hoping to avoid government imposed regulations like the ones in Britain that ban all snack ads in and around children's television shows.

Youth Care's programs for troubled teens are set in a therapeutic boarding school environment that offers structure, therapy, and academics.

Labels: adolescence, food_companies, marketing