Michelle Obama And Bob Iger Talk Disney Health Shift!

Yeah! Go Disney!
We mentioned earlier about how Disney was about to impose new rules on their advertisers regarding the health content of their ads — and how they now have to meet federal guidelines.
Now, we’re hearing that it’s completely official, and Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and Michelle Obama have spoken up about it!
Here’s what Bob says:

“We’re proud of the impact we’ve had over the last six years. We’ve taken steps across our company to support better choices for families, and now we’re taking the next important step forward by setting new food advertising standards for kids. The emotional connection kids have to our characters and stories gives us a unique opportunity to continue to inspire and encourage them to lead healthier lives.”

And here’s what MObama said:

“This new initiative is truly a game changer for the health of our children. This is a major American company – a global brand – that is literally changing the way it does business so that our kids can lead healthier lives. With this new initiative, Disney is doing what no major media company has ever done before in the U.S. – and what I hope every company will do going forward. When it comes to the ads they show and the food they sell, they are asking themselves one simple question: “Is this good for our kids?”‘

So fab!
Also announced was the Mickey Check tool, which is described as follows:

An icon that calls out nutritious food and menu items sold in stores, online, and at restaurants and food venues at its U.S. Parks and Resorts. By the end of 2012 the “Mickey Check” will appear on licensed foods products, on qualified recipes on Disney.com and Family.com, and on menus and select products at Disney’s Parks and Resorts.

Disney is also going to be enhancing its breakthrough efforts by further reducing sodium in kids’ meals and introducing new well-balanced kids’ breakfast meals, further reducing sugar and sodium in all licensed foods, and inspiring and encouraging kids and families to live healthier lifestyles through better eating habits and fun activities.
We are SO happy and excited about all of this!
Let’s hope this marks a major shift in the world and with large, influential companies!
[Image via WENN.]