Food Industry’s Self Policing Isn’t Working

Let’s face it. Anytime you turn on the TV, you’re bombarded with expensively produced, super-snazzy ads enticing us to buy and eat this sugary food or that fatty, calorie-laden product.

And, think about it, how often do we see reasonable portion sizes? Instead, the messages drummed into our heads (UNLESS we’re smart enough NOT to listen) are to snap up (or at least look at) entire pizzas, huge sub sandwiches, a plateful of cookies (never just one!), and more, more, more. Small wonder Americans are getting fatter and fatter.

In short, as declared by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and 15 member groups, the 30-year current system for advertising industry self-regulation is a failure. 

Hurrah to the organizations for speaking out and trying to get their important messages heard in time for the Federal Trade Commision’s upcoming (July 14-15, 2005) workshop on Marketing, Self-Regulation, and Childhood Obesity.

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is a coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups and concerned parents who aim "to counter the harmful effects of marketing to children through action, advocacy, education, research, and collaboration among organizations and individuals who care about children."

Just listen to one of the group’s most apt comments: "Far too often there is a conflict of interest between industry’s mandate to make a profit – a legal mandate in the instance of corporations – and public health and safety. Ultimately it is the government’s role, not the role of corporations, to safeguard the health of our children."

Well said. Now, I urge you, get out there and get involved to combat this horrific trend. For starters, check out this important group, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.