CSPI proposes overhaul of food advertising guidelines

Food & Drink Weekly, Jan 17, 2005

Food products should meet a specified nutritional threshold to determine which foods should be marketed to children, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The organization yesterday issued guidelines that would allow a broad range of foods to be marketed to children, "as long as the food in question provides some positive nutritional benefit and isn't too high in saturated and trans fat, salt or added sugars." For example, the guidelines call on companies not to market drinks like soda, sports drinks and sweetened ice tea to children. Ideally, says CSPI, only healthful foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products would be marketed to kids.

The guidelines would permit food companies to market: 1) drinks that contain at least 50 percent fruit juice and no added caloric sweeteners; 2) water and seltzer without added caloric sweeteners; and 3) low-fat and fat-free milk, including flavored milks. In addition, foods marketed to kids should be in reasonable portion sizes, provide basic nutrients, and to have: 1) less than 30 percent of total calories from fat; 2) less than 10 percent of calories from saturated plus trans fat; 3) less than 25 percent of calories from added sugars; and 4) no more than 150 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving of snack items; no more than 480 mg per serving for soups, pastas, meats, and main dishes; and no more than 600 mg for meals.

CSPI's proposed food marketing guidelines are aimed at food manufacturers, broadcasters, restaurants, movie studios and schools. "For far too long, food manufacturers, fast-food restaurants, and media conglomerates have been profiting by pushing obesity- and disease-causing junk foods to kids," said CSPI nutrition policy director Margo Wootan. "It's time for them to clean up their act."