Popular cartoon characters are helping to promote less healthy foods to children, according to a new report.
The research undertaken by Which? found that various well-known characters such as Kellogg’s icon Tony the Tiger are not endorsing items classified as healthy by the Food Standards Agency.
Such findings come following the suggestion by Which? that regulations created to stop junk food advertisements being shown during chidlren’s television programmes are not working.
Food campaigner at the magazine Clare Corbett said that while the characters are “great fun” for those of a young age, manufacturers still have to act responsibly.
She commented: “Food companies must play their part in the fight against childhood obesity and diet-related disease by acting responsibly.”
Broadcasting Committee of Advertising Practice and Committee of Advertising Practice codes must be adhered to so that goods with a lower fat and sugar content are promoted, Corbett said.
Which? said that the table of cartoons was compiled after 66% of consumers said that such figures should not be enlisted to back unhealthy foods.
Captain Crunch and Moo were also found to be included in adverts with less healthy food, Which? claimed.
