Snack Manufacturers Discourage Selling Junk Foods in Schools

09/10/06 In some schools - ever on the watch for junk food - students may not be able to find their favorite candy bar, thanks to the latest nutrition deal struck by former President Bill Clinton.

But then again, they may.

The new deal was lauded by some as a good effort and criticized by others as toothless.

Five big makers of snack foods who agreed to the plan said yesterday that they would discourage schools from stocking vending machines with treats that are high in calories, fat, sugar and salt.

The companies, Kraft Foods Inc., Mars Inc., Campbell Soup Co., Dannon and PepsiCo Inc., agreed to instead begin promoting snacks that meet new nutrition guidelines backed by the American Heart Association.

"This is voluntary; they don't have to do it," Clinton acknowledged, speaking of the companies and the schools. "But they recognize the challenge we face, and they are helping us take the first step."

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