Photo by theimpulsivebuy/Flickr CC
Thanks to Margo Wootan of CSPI for sending me the text of a speech by David Vladeck, the new director of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection, in which he discusses his agency's priorities. One of these is marketing to children.
And about time too. The last time the FTC wanted to restrict advertising to kids was in 1978. Then, Congress ridiculed the agency (What? Restrict free speech? Horrors!), and promptly passed a law preventing the FTC from taking action. The head of the FTC, Mike Pertschuk, was fired and that was that (see Giant Killers, for his version of what happened).
Well, times have changed. Kids are a lot fatter. Trying to stop relentless food marketing aimed at children now seems like a pretty good idea. Can't wait!
SHOP THE ATLANTIC FOOD MARKETPLACE
Subscribe to Atlantic Food
Does that box really advertise that those chicken patties are made with "rib meat?" I suppose that's better than eyelids and lips, but still -- does the concept of "chicken ribs" really bring 'em running?
In all honesty the issue here isn't that kids are attracted to playful, colorful packaging. The issue is that parents are buying this food for their children.
Perhaps this is due in part to pressures from a child, but marketing towards kids is a too simplistic and easy target, the real issue is with those (parents) that purchase these sorts of packaged foods.
"Trying to stop relentless food marketing aimed at children now seems like a pretty good idea. Can't wait!"
It sounds like a terrible idea. I can't believe that this is the same blog toasting the end of Prohibition. All you neo-Prohibitionists make me sick.
I have fond childhood memories of commercials for food that I never ate nor would choose to based on the commercials, for that matter.
as adults we assume that we are somehow immune to advertising messages. that only children can be misled.
madison avenue would like us to continue believing this.