A report originally due to Congress July 15 outlining a set of voluntary standards for marketing foods and beverages to children has been delayed, and it isn't yet clear when it will be completed, according to people familiar with the work.
A working group made up of officials from several federal agencies proposed the voluntary restrictions in December limiting the marketing to children of foods and beverages that contain significant amounts of sugar, sodium and saturated fat. The standards were then expected to be made available for public comment before being delivered to Congress this month. Instead, they have yet to be publicized.
The cause of the delay wasn't clear. A spokeswoman for the Federal Trade Commission, the agency leading the effort, said an extension had been granted, but declined further comment.
The delay comes amid a push by First Lady Michelle Obama to step up the fight against childhood obesity. It also comes as some in the food industry have expressed concerns that the standards, though voluntary, are too restrictive.
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