Published: July 2019

ID #: 1114

Journal: Am J Law Med

Authors: Pomeranz JL, Harris JL

See more related research

Share


There is a gap in the research identifying areas for U.S. regulation of foods and beverages marketed for infants and toddlers through three years of age. To fill this gap, this paper evaluates relevant policy opportunities to address marketing and labeling practices of concern. First, we provide background on marketing and labeling of infant, baby, and toddler products and international recommendations related to these products and then we briefly review relevant international regulations. Next, we discuss the U.S. regulatory framework for food and drink labeling on product packages and marketing on television and the internet, and through the federal nutrition assistance program specifically for young children; this includes First Amendment considerations, and the authorities of Congress, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), US Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). Throughout these regulatory sections, we provide additional examples of concern related to the products of interest. We conclude by identifying gaps in U.S. regulations, opportunities for future research, and highlighting the need for specific regulatory actions in this context.

Related Research

March 2020

Toddler Drink Marketing: Opportunities to Address Harmful Practices

Toddler drinks are a relatively new product category, typically offered by infant formula manufacturers and promoted as beneficial for young children ages 12 months and older. Marketing promotes these drinks as the “next step” after infant formula, using claims that imply unproven benefits for children’s nutrition and health. However, these drinks raise substantial concerns among health More

January 2020

Infant formula and toddler milk marketing: opportunities to address harmful practices and improve young children’s diets

Children’s diets in their first 1000 days influence dietary preferences, eating habits, and long-term health. Yet the diets of most infants and toddlers in the United States do not conform to recommendations for optimal child nutrition. This narrative review examines whether marketing for infant formula and other commercial baby/toddler foods plays a role. The World Health More

November 2023

State Agency Perspectives on Successes and Challenges of Administering the Child and Adult Care Food Program

The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) improves nutrition and reduces food insecurity for young children while helping cover food costs for care providers and families. Despite its important benefits, the program is underutilized. This report uses qualitative interviews with state CACFP administrators representing 28 states to explore federal and state policies and practices that support or discourage CACFP participation among licensed child More