Marketing has a profound affect on the foods we eat and the beverages we drink, yet most of that marketing is for products we should avoid. BMSG monitors the media to help keep advocates informed of the tactics food and beverage companies use to target children, communities of color, and other groups that are particularly susceptible to the health harms these products cause. Below are archives of our monitoring.
Source: ClickZ on March 08, 2012
Taco Bell uses an augmented reality app and QR code to promote its Doritos Locos Tacos. The new tacos consist of nacho cheese Doritos shells and "are expected to be the biggest launch in Taco Bell's 50-year history."
Source: PR Newswire on March 08, 2012
The findings of this report suggest that companies continue to target Latinos to maximize profits and that many of the companies are in the food and beverage sector that sell unhealthful products, such as Coca-Cola, General Mills and PepsiCo.Source: MediaPost on March 07, 2012
McDonald's launches a campaign to promote its new Happy Meals that now include apple slices, smaller portions of French fries, and Happy Meals toys, despite advocate's contention that the toys entice children to make unhealthy eating choices.
Source: The Washington Post on March 07, 2012
A new study by Roland Sturm, an economist of RAND Corporation, found no link between local food sources, such as fast-food restaurants and supermarkets, and what children ate or how much they weighed.
Source: The Maine Public Broadcasting Network on March 07, 2012
Despite Maine's law that prohibits the marketing of junk food in schools, a new report indicates that marketing is still prevalent, most often around athletic spaces.
Source: USA Today on March 07, 2012
To avoid a cancer warning label on beverages with 4-MI, a known carcinogen, soda manufacturers have switched to a new, low 4-MI formulation of caramel coloring.
Source: The New York Times on March 07, 2012
GMA President Pamela Bailey defends the industry's food labels and says: "Our commitment to Facts Up Front and the consumer education campaign has never been stronger." Critics have argued that the simple and effective labels have yet to be implemented, and those that exist have been deceptive.
Source: The Motley Fool on March 07, 2012
Food and beverage companies declare that they target Latinos with food products tailored to attract them. An example is Pepsi's sparkling apple drink, Manzanita Sol.Source: Supermarket News on March 06, 2012
Publix Super Markets collaborates with United Fresh Foundation and Produce for Kids to provide school children with fruits and vegetables. The collaboration is part of the "Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools" public health campaign.
Source: Chicago Tribune on March 05, 2012
McDonald's reveals a new advertising strategy in which it will include a nutritional or physical activity message in all marketing to children. Critics argue that this is another way for McDonald's to promote its brand and form an emotional bond with children.
