Moving to address growing concerns about childhood obesity and unhealthful eating habits, Kraft Foods Inc. will announce Wednesday that it will curb its advertising of many popular snack food items to children under 12.
The maker of Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Kool-Aid and Oscar Mayer lunch meat will begin phasing out ads of its less nutritious products on television and radio shows and in print publications aimed at audiences of 6- to 11-year-olds. The company aims no media advertising at children under 6.
Kraft, the nation's largest food company, will not stop all promotions to young children; it will still use cartoon characters in its products and packaging. It will also continue to offer contests, prizes, and other promotions as well as games on its Web sites. Its Lunchables, Kool-Aid products, and Oreos and other cookies will still be advertised on TV and radio shows and in magazines and other publications aimed at kids 12 and older.