Wednesday, March 10, 2010
WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- Three-quarters of U.S. companies got an F for having weak or no policies in regard to food marketing aimed at children, a non-profit group says.
Margo G. Wootan, nutrition policy director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, says the group issued a report card that rates 128 companies' policies with regard to food marketing aimed at children. Three-quarters of companies are getting an F, either for having weak policies or for failing to have any policies whatsoever.
The highest grade, a B-plus, went to Mars Inc., but Wootan emphasized that the grade is not for the foods Mars sells, but rather for its policy on marketing to children. Mars' policy excludes marketing to children under 12 and covers most of the key marketing tactics used to reach children.
Qubo, a family friendly children's television channel delivered nationwide over ION Media Networks 59 local digital television stations, got the highest grade, a B.
One food company, Procter & Gamble, received a B, six got a B-, 17 got a C and 7 a D. Ninety-five companies received an F.
"Despite the industry's self-regulatory system, the vast majority of food and entertainment companies have no protections in place for children," Wootan said in a statement. "If companies were marketing bananas and broccoli, we wouldn't be concerned. But most marketing is for sugary cereals, fast-food, snack food and candy."
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