The nation’s biggest food and drink companies ponied up about $1.6 billion to advertise their products to kids in 2006, and critics say much of that cash went to push the unhealthiest of foods.
A survey from the Federal Trade Commission found nearly $500 million was spent marketing sodas to adolescents and another $237 million showcasing cereals to children. Restaurants and fast-food chains spent about $294 million.
“This study confirms what I have been saying for years,” said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. “Industry needs to step up to the plate and use their innovation and creativity to market healthy foods to our kids. That $1.6 billion could be used to attract kids to healthy snacks, tasty cereals, fruits and vegetables.”
Yeah, just as soon as you can make baby carrots taste like cheeseburgers or Lucky Charms … (Time)
