Tag: children
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Labor Department Withdraws Child Agricultural Labor Proposal
In response to “thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms,” the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has withdrawn a proposal intended to reduce injuries among children working on farms by, among other matters, prohibiting them from using certain equipment. Instead, the Departments of Labor and Agriculture…
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Study Questions Alleged Link Between Junk Food in Schools and Childhood Obesity
A recent study attempting “to isolate the causal effect of junk food availability on children’s food consumption and body mass index (BMI)” has concluded that access to competitive foods in schools “does not significantly increase BMI or obesity among this fifth-grade cohort despite the increased likelihood of in-school junk food purchases.” Ashlesha Datar and Nancy…
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Sweden Bans BPA in Food Packaging for Kids
Sweden has banned the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging intended for children younger than age 3. Mainly affecting the lids of baby food jars, the April 13, 2012, edict also gave the Swedish Chemicals Agency three months to investigate whether the chemical should be prohibited in certain types of thermal paper, such…
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New Study Claims Sugary Drink Intake Linked to Retinal Vascular Changes in Kids
A recent study has allegedly linked sugary drink consumption to narrowed retinal blood vessels in children as young as age 12, raising concerns about the youths’ long-term cardiovascular health. Bamini Gopinath, et al., “Carbohydrate nutrition is associated with changes in the retinal vascular structure and branching pattern in children,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May…
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California Court Nixes Effort to Stop McDonald’s from Selling Happy Meals with Toys
A California superior court has dismissed with prejudice putative class claims filed against McDonald’s Corp. seeking to enjoin the company from advertising Happy Meals® to children featuring toys. Parham v. McDonald’s Corp., No. 10-506178 (Cal. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty., decided April 4, 2012). Additional information about the case appears in Issues 375, 391 and…
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Irish Broadcasting Authority to Regulate Food Advertising
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has announced a public consultation regarding draft commercial codes that would prohibit the advertising of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) during TV programs where more than 50 percent of viewers are younger than age 18. According to a March 30, 2012, BAI press release, the consultation…
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Data Analysis Questions Food Coloring Link to ADHD
A meta-analysis of recent scientific literature has questioned data alleging a link between synthetic food colors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Joel Nigg, et al., “Meta-Analysis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Restriction Diet, and Synthetic Food Color Additives,” Journal of the American Academy of Child &…
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California Legislation Would Limit Sale of Sports Drinks in Schools
California Assembly Member Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) recently introduced a bill (A.B. 1746) that would restrict the sale of sports drinks from middle and high schools throughout the state. If enacted, the legislation would prohibit the sale of “electrolyte replacement beverages” during school hours as of July 1, 2013. “Sports drinks are an inappropriate option…