Kellogg's Proves it Cares for Kids

The people at Kellogg's announced last week that it will adopt stricter nutrition standards for the foods that it advertises to young children. The Center for Science in the Public Interest's Campaign for a Commercial- Free Childhood (CCFC), and two Massachusetts parents, will not proceed with lawsuits against Kellogg's (Disclosure: I am a CSPI board member).

CSPI Executive Director Mike Jacobson made the great point that Kellogg, by committing to these nutritional standards and marketing reforms, is vaulting over the rest of the industry. He also hoped that a rising tide will lift all ships—that Kellogg's will influence many other companies that cater to kids. I second that, and it's badly needed.

Health care costs continue to out-pace the consumer price index. More and more links between diet and health are discovered every week. Diet-influenced diseases like diabetes are rising at a staggering rate (heart disease and cancer cause death in 1 of every 2 people and 1 in 3, respectively). Corporate leadership, in companies small and large, is badly needed. Kellogg's may have faced a little external inspiration, but that doesn't minimize their move. Kudos to Kellogg, and tidings to Tony.