Stop using cartoons to sell snacks, say parents

Food manufacturers were urged yesterday to stop using cartoon characters to promote unhealthy snacks and cereals.
A survey by Which? found that cartoon characters including The Simpsons, Bratz, Shrek and Spiderman were used to promote products including biscuits, popcorn, and high-sugar cereals. This undermined parents' efforts to persuade their children to eat a healthier diet. Three quarters of parents felt it was irresponsible for companies to feature cartoon characters on unhealthy foods and thought the practice should be stopped. Disney have recently announced that they will no longer allow their characters to be used to promote unhealthy foods.
Sue Davies, Which? chief policy adviser, called for regulations to protect children from irresponsible marketing.