Disney has banned the junk food promotion for kids on its networks

The Walt Disney Co. has banned the promotion of junk foods on all of its networks including television channels such as Disney XD and children’s program on ABC network, Disney-owned websites and radio stations.

From now these networks will not publish candy, sugar cereal or fast food promos, so that the children must not get attraction. Any cereal with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving and a full meal with more than 600 calories will not be promoted.

First Lady Michelle Obama called it a “game changer” and is hopeful that the other entertainment industry will also get the message.

[hana-code-insert name=’StumbleUpon’ /][hana-code-insert name=’Reddit’ /]“Just a few years ago if you had told me or any other mom or dad in America that our kids wouldn’t see a single ad for junk food while they watched their favorite cartoons on a major TV network, we wouldn’t have believed you,” said Obama, who has headed a campaign to curb child obesity.

Although the company will face an initial loss after banning the products but CEO Bob Iger is hopeful that the companies will eventually produce new products meeting the standards.

“There seems to be limited taste for government regulation,” Said Aviva Must, chairwoman of the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts School of Medicine, who has studied childhood obesity for decades. “So I think a large company like Disney taking a stand and putting in a policy with teeth is a good step.”

“The emotional connection kids have to our characters and stories gives us a unique opportunity to continue to inspire and encourage them to lead healthier lives,” Iger said.

The Better Business Bureau and 16 major food companies including Burger King Worldwide Holdings Inc., Coca-Cola Co. and Mars Inc. have also undertook to promote only better-for-you foods for children by 2014.

Source: BusinessWeek