Report: Food Ads Are Hurting Kids

A federal panel is urging the food industry to stop marketing unhealthy food to children, and calling on Congress to take action if the food industry won’t.

The Institute of Medicine — chartered by Congress to advise on health policy — said food and beverages advertised on television should only pitch products high in nutrients and low in such ingredients as salt, sugar and fat.

J. Michael McGinnis, chairman of the Institute of Medicine, said his group has seen evidence that advertising on Saturday morning cartoon shows is a factor in kids making unhealthy food choices. The food industry spends an estimated $10 billion a year marketing food to kids.

USA Today reports the new finding comes as U.S. child obesity is rising to about 31 percent. Obesity has been linked to other health problems, including diabetes.

Richard Martin of the Grocery Manufacturers Association said the industry is working on recommendations contained in the report.