By Melodie Warner Walt Disney Co. (DIS) confirmed its plans to curb the advertising of what is known as junk food on its television and radio programs aimed at children by 2015 as it continues its efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. The Wall Street Journal reported late Monday that Chief Executive Robert Iger would disclose the plan Tuesday with First Lady Michelle Obama. Disney, which owns the ABC network as well as Disney Channel and ESPN, launched a companywide initiative in 2006 to phase out promotion of junk food to children at its theme parks, but the program stopped short of any impact to its advertising practices. Under Disney's new standards, all food and beverage products advertised, sponsored or promoted on Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Radio Disney, and Disney-owned online destinations will be required to meet Disney's nutrition guidelines by 2015. The company said the nutrition guidelines are aligned to federal standards, promote fruit and vegetable consumption and call for limiting calories and reducing saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. By the end of the year, Disney will also introduce "Mickey Check," an icon that will appear on nutritious licensed foods products, recipes on Disney.com and Family.com, and menu items at Disney's Parks and Resorts. Write to Melodie Warner at melodie.warner@dowjones.com
