Mom, Dad, Buy the Broccoli

MOM, DAD, BUY BROCCOLI
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
[Commentary] The commercials selling empty calories like candy and soft drinks to children have gotten so out of control in recent years that now even the food industry has taken notice. Last month, 10 companies that produce almost two-thirds of the food and drink advertising for children under 12 agreed to start cutting back on advertising junk foods. Their plan, administered through the Council of Better Business Bureaus, is to make certain that at least half of the advertising for younger children promotes healthier foods and lifestyles. They also agreed not to advertise in elementary schools or place their products in children’s entertainment. And they promised to limit the use of beloved cartoon or movie characters to help sell junk food. Obesity among the young has become a health emergency, and the rates of diabetes and other adult diseases among American children are a national scandal. For years, the food and drink and candy industries have made unhealthy products irresistible to those under 12. Now the question is whether they can make healthy food and behavior look even better.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/01/opinion/01fri4.html
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