ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. - In a policy statement published in the Pediatrics journal yesterday, the American Academy of Pediatrics here advised members to appeal to Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to cut the number of ads shown during kids' programming in half and ban junk food ads during shows viewed by young children. Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Products Association issued the statement: “The food industry is committed to communicating with consumers, especially children, in ways that accurately portray their products, their intended uses and the benefits they deliver.” Self-regulatory guidelines of the Children's Advertising Unit have helped to ensure that advertising to children by food companies is age and nutritionally appropriate and reflects a balanced approach to health and nutrition, said Mary Sophos, senior vice president of government affairs, GMA and FPA, which plan to merge effective Jan. 1, 2007. Revisions to CARU guidelines strengthen its guidance to all kids' advertisers, and 10 of the leading food and beverage manufacturers recently launched the Children‘s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative to encourage good nutrition and healthy lifestyles, according to the statement.
GMA/FPA Responds to Kids Ads Policy Statement
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. - In a policy statement published in the Pediatrics journal yesterday, the American Academy of Pediatrics here advised members to appeal to Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to cut the number of ads shown during kids' programming in half and ban junk food ads during shows viewed by young children. Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Products Association issued the statement: "The food industry is committed to communicating with consumers, especially children, in ways that accurately portray their products, their intended uses and the benefits they deliver."
