Last spring, when General Motors offered to compensate victims of accidents caused by a defective ignition switch in more than two million cars, the company said it was trying to live up to its “civic duty.” But, reports the New York Times, the move was also an effort to keep victims and their families out of the courts and avoid long, expensive and image-damaging litigation. It was a gamble, but as the deadline for filing claims passed this weekend, it appears the effort is succeeding so far.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health Publishes Stringent Regulations for Tobacco Industry
Tobacco manufacturers in Kenya will soon be required to submit a detailed yearly report to Health Cabinet Secretary concerning their products and their effects on the health of users, reports The Standard. A new legal notice from the ministry states that the manufacturer shall give information on the quantity of tobacco products in the immediately preceding year.
Alcohol Advertising on Television and Underage Drinking Behavior
A new study posted online in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents’ receptivity to television alcohol advertising predicted the transition to onset of binge or hazardous drinking. The authors concluded that alcohol “marketing self-regulation has failed to keep television alcohol advertising from reaching large numbers of underage persons and affecting their drinking patterns.”
Pepsi Lobbyist Picked to Lead Senate Ag Committee As It Rewrites Nutrition Programs
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.
Corporations and Health Watch 