Agri-Pulse reports that a top lobbyist for PepsiCo Inc. who was formerly a top aide to Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts is taking over as the Agriculture Committee’s chief of staff as it prepares to rewrite federal child nutrition policy. Joel Leftwich, a native of Wellington, Kansas, worked for Roberts, R-Kan., as deputy staff director for the committee before becoming senior director for PepsiCo’s public policy and government affairs team in March 2013.
CVS’ decision to pull tobacco lands CEO State of the Union guest slot
CVS pharmacy’s decision last year to pull tobacco from its 7,800 stores is paying off, business-wise, reports the Washington Times, and now it’s earned the chain’s CEO a prime seat at Tuesday’s State of the Union Address.
Experts Recommend Responsible Food Marketing to Children
An expert group convened by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Eating Research has released a set of recommendations calling on the food, beverage, restaurant and entertainment industries to close several loopholes in their voluntary programs and commitments to market healthy food and beverage products to children.
Children’s Online Privacy Rights Must Be Considered by Companies
The Topps Company— the maker of the candy Ring Pops—may have been just trying to have a little marketing fun, writes the privacy blog Safe and Sound. But a recent contest the company sponsored in 2014 around its jewel-shaped ring candy has caused a ruckus among several children’s rights advocacy groups and is at the root of a complaint recently filed with the Federal Trade Commission.
FDA Finds Antipsychotic Drug Associated with Rare but Potentially Fatal Skin Reactions
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety announcement and mandated a new warning label after it found evidence that the antipsychotic drug Geodon – also known as ziprasidone and manufactured by Pfizer –can cause a potentially fatal skin reaction. The serious side effect may affect up to 2.5 million Americans who were prescribed the popular drug.
Treaty Regulating Global Arms Trade Takes Effect
A landmark treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade came into force last month, reports the Associated Press. The new treaty seeks to stop weapons sales to dictators, terrorists and human rights abusers. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the pact reflects the commitment of states, international organizations and civil society “to stop irresponsible arms transfers.”
For the Planet and Future Generations, New Congress May Be Most Dangerous Yet
According to Wenona Hauter of Food and Water Watch, writing in Common Dreams, the swearing-in of the 114th Congress this week spells trouble for our food, water and environment, and for all those who seek to champion healthy, safe communities for our families. We may be looking at the most hostile Congress ever in terms of protecting the environment, she warns.
Senate Committee Clear Obama’s NHTSA Pick Amid Air Bag Recall Furor
Law360 reports that the Senate Commerce Committee last week unanimously approved Mark. R. Rosekind, President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a week after the nominee assured the panel that he would restore the agency’s tarnished reputation following the General Motors Co. and Takata Corp. recalls. Rosekind has said he would boost efforts to catch automakers that don’t report safety defects and to enforce recalls.
Why McDonald’s says it wants to be in the schools
If McDonald’s has its way, reports CBS MoneyWatch the three R’s might end up being reading, writing and Ronald McDonald. That’s because the fast-food giant is planning to refocus on marketing to children and families in response to a serious problem on its plate. Thanks to changing tastes, the fast-food chain has suffered seven straight months of declining U.S. sales, with parents increasingly opting for rivals’ seemingly healthier meals.
Draft Regulations Ban Smoking in Public Places in China
Anti-tobacco advocates welcomed a new draft national smoking control regulations for public places, reports China Daily, but said the rules could still be strengthened. The draft by the National Health and Family Planning Commission was published on the website of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, pending public consultation. It would ban smoking in public places and also ban all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products, as well as certain smoking scenes in films and TV shows.
Corporations and Health Watch 