WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Two consumer activist groups plan state class-action lawsuits against Kellogg and Viacom in a new approach to fighting junk food TV ads.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood had sought stricter federal regulations in their campaign against high-fat food and child-focused marketing.
Now, they say they will use state consumer-protection laws against what they consider deceptive advertising to young children, The Washington Post said Thursday.
The consumer groups said they have sent letters to Kellogg and Viacom, owner of the popular children's TV channel Nickelodeon, saying they intended to file a class-action lawsuit in Massachusetts.
The groups accuse the companies of harming children's health because they primarily advertise foods high in sugar, fat and salt and low in nutrients. The lawsuits seek no monetary damages though they allege Kellogg and Nickelodeon caused more than $1 billion in economic harm to Massachusetts consumers.
