Published: September 2011

ID #: 66968

Publisher: The Public Health Advocacy Institute

Authors: Wilking C, Gottlieb M

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This report summarizes findings from a 50-state survey of state consumer protection laws to identify key statutes that hold promise to protect children when they are the targets of marketing for unhealthy food and beverage marketing. The authors apply a consumer protection legal framework by dividing children’s food and beverage marketing into three categories: a) marketing that targets parents in an effort to get them to purchase products to serve their children; b) “pester power” marketing that targets children in an effort to get them to persuade their parents into buying products for them; and c) direct marketing to children and adolescents in an effort to get them to use their own money to purchase products for themselves. The report also summarizes key statute provisions relevant to future consumer protection claims alleging unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable food and beverage marketing to children.

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