Obesity

Crunch Time for School Junk Food?

by Jonathan Rosenblum — April 18, 2006 - 10:12am

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), a frequent proponent of legislation protecting children, is now taking on a formidable opponent: the snack industry. Matthew Chayes reports that Harkin has introduced legislation that would tighten the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) definition for "foods of minimal nutritional value." Sen.

Main Source: 
Chicago Tribune, April 14, 2006

Fast Food Feeding Frenzy

by Diane Farsetta — April 11, 2006 - 5:15pm

"McDonald's marketing generals have convened a war council and are hatching a strategy to combat a new attack," reports Advertising Age. The "threat" they face is journalist and author Eric Schlosser. A movie based on Schlosser's 2001 best-seller "Fast Food Nation" comes out later this year, as will his new book, which is aimed at younger readers, "Chew on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food." McDonald's is "worried about a backlash," reports AdAge.

Main Source: 
Advertising Age, April 3, 2006

Too Much Fat in Kolata's Coverage?

by John Stauber — February 10, 2006 - 9:02am

Felix Gillette criticizes a story by Gina Kolata on a major study examining a low-fat diet for postmenopausal women and finding little positive impact.

Main Source: 
Columbia Journalism Review, February 9, 2006

Battle of the Childhood Bulge

by Diane Farsetta — December 7, 2005 - 3:41pm
Cover of the IOM report

"We can't any more argue whether food advertising is related to children's diets.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub req'd), December 7, 2005

They're Krafty

by Diane Farsetta — November 2, 2005 - 11:13am

After "a major government-commissioned study found advertising contributes to childhood obesity" and two bills before Congress "proposed regulation of children's advertising," Kraft, "the nation's biggest food company," knew it "risked being depicted as a corporate villain." So, in January, the company "announced it would quit advertising certain products to kids under 12." While some criticized Kraft's continued use of cartoons and questioned whether the company should be able to decide "what's healthy and what isn't," policymakers praised Kraft.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub. req'd.), October 31, 2005

Toxic Sludge, Soda and Beer Are All Good for You!

by Diane Farsetta — October 18, 2005 - 5:05pm

After a survey found that only 10 percent of respondents rated PepsiCo as a company that was "concerned with my health," the soft drink company is launching "a new advertising campaign for its 'Smart Spot' products." Pepsi rates more than 200 of its products as healthier, "Smart Spot" foods, including diet soda and baked potato chips. Pepsi will also launch a pilot project, called "Perfect Storm," later this year, "in a major U.S.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub. req'd.), October 15, 2005

Porter Novelli Touts Trade Group's Soda Vending Policy

by Laura Miller — August 30, 2005 - 7:38pm

"Soda industry touts school ban to quiet obesity critics," reads the PR Week headline on a story outlining the soft-drink industry's latest defensive move in response to national concerns about childhood obesity.

Main Source: 
PR Week (sub req'd), August 29, 2005

ABA's School Vending Policy Fizzes On Obesity Prevention

by Laura Miller — August 24, 2005 - 12:27am
  • Topics: Obesity, Children, Health, Public Relations

    • The American Beverage Association scored PR points recently when they unveiled a new voluntary "school vending policy." The trade association for soft drink manufacturers says it is encouraging beverage producers and school districts to provide "lower-calorie and/or nutritious beverages" to schools and limit the availability of soft drinks in schools. ABA's announcement snagged positive news stories across the country, but public health advocates questioned the group's commitment to preventing childhood obesity.

    Government Abandons Children to Big Food

    by Sheldon Rampton — July 24, 2005 - 3:38pm

    "With rising rates of childhood obesity and diabetes, you might think that when the federal government convenes a meeting on how food companies market food to kids, talk of how to regulate industry practices might actually be on the agenda. But you'd be wrong," writes Michele Simon. Last week's government conference on food marketing to kids was dominated by the companies themselves.

    Main Source: 
    AlterNet, July 22, 2005

    Coke's Sweet Intentions

    by Diane Farsetta — July 14, 2005 - 5:37pm

    "Coca-Cola will work with Weber Shandwick this fall to promote its new, seemingly selfless, Live It children's fitness campaign in schools across the country." The PR firm will "focus on generating local publicity for schools that participate in the week-long program." Kirsten Witt, Coke's "nutrition communication manager," said the $4 million Live It campaign would not address childhood obesity or encourage students to drink Co

    Main Source: 
    PR Week (sub. req'd.), July 13, 2005
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