CFBAI and CCAI Published the 2021 Annual Report on Participant Compliance and Program Progress

Dec 20, 2022 by Lauren Eskenazi, Program Manager, Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, BBB National Programs

BBB National Programs has released the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) and Children’s Confection Advertising Initiative (CCAI) 2021 Annual Report, which includes findings on CFBAI and CCAI participant compliance with their commitments to advertise only foods that meet CFBAI’s strict Uniform Nutrition Criteria or to not engage in advertising primarily directed to children under age 12 (and, as of 2023, under age 13).

The Annual Report provides details on the significant events of 2021 and an evaluation of participants’ compliance, which was excellent.  

In addition to participants’ compliance, the report discusses the modifications to CFBAI’s Core Principles made in 2022, which revised the advertising coverage of the program from “advertising primarily directed to children under age 12” to “advertising primarily directed to children under age 13.” 

The report also assesses the nutritional contribution of foods added to CFBAI’s Product List in 2021 and the results of CFBAI’s 2022 “Snapshot” evaluation of food and beverage ads on children’s TV networks. This Snapshot found that CFBAI participants accounted for about 70% of the ads. Calorie contributions of these foods were modest and foods met CFBAI limits for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, and contributed food groups or nutrients lacking in children’s diets. CFBAI’s evaluation also found that participants advertised foods from fewer food categories in 2022 (Cereals, Small Meals, Meals, and Waffles and Pancakes). Among non-participants, candy and restaurant ads were the most advertised categories in the evaluation. 

For 15 years, CFBAI has focused on ensuring that foods in ads directed to children meet strict nutrition criteria. BBB National Programs is proud to continue to collaborate with participating food, beverage, and restaurant companies in their commitments to responsible marketing to children and welcomes non-participating companies to join CFBAI. 

Access the full 2021 Annual Report. 

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