Disney channel to ban junk food ads

(Bloomberg): Walt Disney Co. (DIS), aiming to combat childhood obesity by banning junk-food ads, will require that food and beverage advertising to kids on its TV networks and radio stations meet new nutritional standards by 2015.The guidelines, which follow federal recommendations, are designed to promote fruits and vegetables, limit calories, and curb the intake of saturated fat, salt and sugar, Burbank, California-based Disney said in a statement. By the end of this year, food products will begin bearing the “Mickey Check” logo, signaling that they meet the standards.

The effort, expands on Disney’s adoption of nutritional guidelines in 2006. Disney is the world’s largest entertainment company, with holdings that include film studios, theme parks, radio stations and the ABC broadcast network. The company’s media networks generated $7.6 billion in advertising revenue in its most recent fiscal year, an increase of 8 percent.

The guidelines give specific standards. Breakfast cereals, for example, should have no more than 130 calories and fewer than 10 grams of sugar per ounce.
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