Appropriations Bill Delays FTC Food Marketing Guidelines

Looks like the Federal Trade Commission won't have to be in any hurry to come up with final recommendations on guidelines for marketing food to kids. The final version of the appropriations bill that passed the House Dec 16 and headed to the Senate and will need to be approved to avoid a shut-down, includes a provision that requires a cost-benefit analysis before the FTC can make any final recommendations.

Food marketers had complained about the guidelines, with the backing of some Republicans who called for that cost-benefit analysis. FTC Chair Jon Leibowitz has repeatedly pointed out that they were only guidelines and not rules. "Congress has clearly changed its mind about what it would like the Interagency Working Group to do with regard to the report on food marketed to children," said FTC spokeswoman Cecelia Prewett. "The Interagency Working Group [charged with coming up with the recommendations] will be assessing its language and working toward Congressional intent."