Open AccessLegal Action Against Health Claims on Foods and Beverages Marketed to Youth
Author(s) -
Lainie Rutkow,
Jon S. Vernick,
Danielle M. Edwards,
Sarah O. Rodman,
Colleen L. Barry
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2014.302376
Subject(s) - action (physics) , environmental health , plaintiff , public health , business , health claims on food labels , obesity , calorie , medicine , public economics , political science , law , economics , food science , chemistry , physics , nursing , quantum mechanics , endocrinology
The prevalence of obesity among US children raises numerous health concerns. One pathway to reduce childhood obesity is by decreasing energy intake through the ingestion of fewer calories. Yet, food and beverage manufacturers often promote energy-dense items for children via varied health claims. Deceptive health claims are prohibited, and may be addressed through litigation or governmental regulatory efforts. While the amount of legal action against these potentially deceptive claims has increased, no comprehensive assessment has been conducted. This article, which analyzes litigation and governmental regulatory activities, considers key factors that may influence decisions to take legal action against potentially deceptive health claims on foods and beverages, including scientific support, forum selection, selection of plaintiffs, and potential public health impact.