Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026, aims to combat diet-related chronic diseases, particularly in children, by implementing comprehensive measures related to food labeling and advertising. It mandates prominent front-of-package warning labels on specific food categories and restricts the marketing of these products to children. The legislation requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish new labeling requirements for several types of foods and beverages. These include sugar-sweetened beverages , products containing high-intensity sweeteners , and ultra-processed foods , each carrying specific health warnings. Additionally, foods deemed high in nutrients of concern , such as added sugar, saturated fat, or sodium, must display a "High in" warning label. These labels must be clearly visible and occupy a significant portion of the product's principal display area. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the marketing and advertising of these "junk foods" in any manner that reasonably appears to be directed at children. Advertisements for these products must also include the relevant mandatory health or nutrient warning labels. To strengthen enforcement, the legislation restores the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) full ability to promulgate rules on children's advertising by repealing a previous limitation, enabling the FTC to treat violations as unfair or deceptive practices. Beyond labeling and advertising, the bill supports critical public health initiatives. It authorizes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand research into nutrition science, focusing on the health effects of ultra-processed foods and the safety of certain ingredients. The bill also mandates a national public education campaign, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to inform the public about the new warning labels, health risks associated with poor nutrition, and strategies for healthier eating and physical activity.