I seriously doubt that that is what they are doing to do, but you have to start somewhere and limiting access and setting up regular meal times is a start.
Personally, I don't think the parent's are necessarily "abusive," but if they refuse to deal with the problem, I do not see how anyone can say it isn't medical neglect - thus completely right to have DCF get involved.
I agree given that "the family had repeatedly failed to attend appointments with nurses, nutritionists and social workers." It's one thing to do everything you and have it still not work...it's another to not do anything at all.