Statement from the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, Council of Better of Business - June 18, 2012
CSPI and Berkeley Media Group Erroneously Assert Nestlé Has Violated its CFBAI Pledge:
Nestlé Complies with Its Commitments to Limit its Child-Directed Advertising to Products Meeting Meaningful Nutrition Standards
The Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) is aimed at advertising that is primarily directed to children under 12─advertising that is designed to be appealing and persuasive to children. It applies broadly to participants’ advertising on measured media (TV, radio, print, Internet-both company-owned and third-party sites) that is child-directed and to new and emerging social media, such as ads on video games, DVDs and apps on mobile media that are primarily directed to children.
Nestlé’s arrangement with the Girl Scouts of the USA does not violate its commitment under the CFBAI pledge because it is not engaging in child-directed advertising for products with a Girl Scout logo. Our program does not apply to packaging at point of sale because grocery stores are primarily adult-oriented venues.
We rigorously monitor and report on compliance with all of our participants’ commitments and investigate allegations of non-compliance. We would have been pleased to look into this and explain our position to the CSPI and BMG, had they asked.
Statement from Nestlé USA - June 18, 2012
We share the public health community’s concern about the rise of childhood obesity rates in the US and worldwide.
In line with our Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) pledge and the Nestlé policy on marketing to children, the Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars are not advertised on television, radio, print or Internet media primarily directed at children under 12. These Nestlé Crunch bars are not sold by Girl Scouts. They are sold in the confectionary section of supermarkets, grocery and convenience stores leaving parents and caretakers in charge of the purchasing decision.
Contrary to the assertions of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, our advertising and marketing communication for Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars is not directed at children. As publicly confirmed by the CFBAI, our licensing agreement with Girl Scouts of the USA is compliant with our commitment to the CFBAI pledge.
We encourage consumers to enjoy Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars and other treats in moderation within the context of a healthy, balanced diet.
Media Contact:
Edie Burge
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