S. 5026 — Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026

This section requires front-of-package warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages (defined as those with 25 or more calories per 12 fluid ounces from added caloric sweeteners), foods containing high-intensity sweeteners, ultra-processed foods, and foods high in added sugar, saturated fat, sodium, or other nutrients of concern. The labels must use specified statements, rectangular or octagonal borders, exclamation-point icons, bold type, and at least 5 percent of the principal display panel area (with the same on multi-packs), and the Secretary must issue regulations applying the rules to online retailers.

This section directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health to expand and coordinate research on the health effects of ultra-processed foods, including harmful ingredients, self-affirmed GRAS additives, and hyper-palatable formulations linked to addiction. It requires public meetings every five years, beginning within one year of enactment, with stakeholders who have no financial ties to ultra-processed food manufacturers, and authorizes $60 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

This section establishes a national public education campaign, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with state, tribal, local, and private partners, to inform adults, children, and caregivers about reading nutrient warning labels, the health risks of obesity and poor nutrition, incorporating physical activity into daily life, and strategies to reduce added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. It authorizes appropriations of $10 million for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

This section establishes definitions for this title, including a child as an individual under age 13, child-directed advertising as any advertisement using themes or strategies that appeal to children or appearing in media where children comprise at least 30 percent of the audience, the Commission as the Federal Trade Commission, and junk food as products subject to the labeling requirements added by section 101(a) of this Act.

This section prohibits marketing or advertising junk food to children using child-directed advertising and requires all such advertisements to include the relevant mandatory health or nutrient warning label under section 403(z) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It takes effect 1 year after enactment and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the prohibitions as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, including over common carriers.

This section restores the Federal Trade Commission's authority to prescribe rules defining with specificity unfair or deceptive acts or practices in children's advertising. It removes the prior statutory exception that had barred such rulemaking.