Something is going on here, but I'm not sure what. I'm inherently suspicious of the motives of the FTC in the best of circumstances.
FTC Issues Subpoenas to Food Marketers:
The Federal Trade Commission today said it has issued subpoenas to 44 food and beverage companies for a report it is preparing on marketing to kids.
Burger King, Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, Dole, Kellogg, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Wendy's, McDonald's, Kraft and Mars, among others, were called to disclose how much they spend to reach young people through paid media and to provide specific information about their marketing practices.
... In June, Kellogg made headlines, and brought into question the fate of ad icons like Tony the Tiger, by disclosing that by the end of 2008 it would no longer advertise cereals that don't meet self-imposed health standards to children under 12.Kellogg also said it would limit licensing agreements with outside partners. Other strategies include changing product Web sites to foster more parental involvement and a timer limiting kids to 15 minutes before encouraging them to log off.
In 2006, two children's advocacy groups—the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood—and two parents filed a lawsuit against Kellogg and Viacom. Of particular concern to the groups was advertising on cable networks like Nickelodeon and related magazines and licensed products. As a result of the changes, the suit was dropped.
Technorati Tags: FTC, health, advertising
