Following similar moves by Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Discovery Kids, Cartoon Network has announced new guidelines limiting the use of its characters on junk food.

The guidelines were developed primarily from nutritional standards for kids’ food in schools issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and in consultation with several nutritional experts. Effective Jan. 1, 2008, Cartoon Network will limit the use of its characters from its series geared to kids 12 and under to food and beverage products that meet specific nutritional criteria.