Disney to cut junk food advertising from its platforms

First lady Michelle Obama speaks at the Newseum in Washington on June 5, 2012 to announce that Disney will become the first major media company to introduce new standards for food advertising on programming targeting kids and families.

Story by CBS

Written by Michelle Castillo   

 Photo by AP's Manuel Balce Ceneta

 

Mickey Mouse and the Disney family want their fans to grow up to be healthy adults, and are stepping up their fight against childhood obesity.

The Walt Disney Company announced on Tuesday that it will be enacting several new regulations in order to promote healthy eating habits.

The company detailed the plan during a Washington news conference with Michelle Obama, who has focused on fighting childhood obesity during her tenure as First Lady.

Part of the new regulations include:

• Banning all food and beverage products advertised, sponsored or promoted on the Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney and Disney-owned online destinations intended for children 12 and under that do not fit certain nutritional standards by 2015
• Reducing the amount of sodium by 25 percent in children's meals served at their theme parks
• Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables sold in U.S. theme parks to 350 of 400 food venues by 2013
• Creating public service announcements promoting exercise for kids and healthy eating habits
• Using the Mickey Check logo on Disney-licensed food products that meet criteria for limited calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar by 2012

"We're proud of the impact we've had over the last six years," Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a press release. "We've taken steps across our company to support better choices for families, and now we're taking the next important step forward by setting new food advertising standards for kids. 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."