Nestle’s absence from the Council of Better Business Bureau's Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative has irked lawmakers who are urging the food and beverage giant to join it.
U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) as well as the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest have sent separate letters on this issue to Nestle CEO Paul Bulcke, asking the company to act as a leader in setting child nutrition standards.Coca-Cola, Kraft, McDonald's, Cadbury Adams, Hershey, and Mars are already a part of this venture.
"Nestlé claims to be 'the world’s leading nutrition, health, and wellness company', but when it comes to food marketing to kids, Nestlé is a laggard, not a leader," said CSPI nutrition policy director Margo G. Wootan.
One recent CSPI survey has said that Nestlé’s products like Nerds, Laffy Taffy, and Sweetarts; Nesquik flavored milk drinks and Nestlé chocolate syrups and powder have poor nutritional quality for kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, National WIC Association, the Center for a Commercial-Free Childhood, and the Prevention Institute are also signatories to the letter issued to Nestle.
Source-Medindia
RAS/L
