Fat lot of good for Cats fans
Maccas link concerns
A PARTNERSHIP between the AFL and fast-food giant McDonald’s has come under fire from health experts.
The new alliance has seen fresh billboards plastered around the city spruiking the burger chain as the “Official Restaurant of the Geelong Cats.”
But the move has prompted an obesity expert to urge the Cats to distance themselves from the golden arches.
Deakin University Global Obesity Centre researcher Gary Sacks warned exposing children to the marketing of unhealthy foods was a major public health concern.
“The Cats should reconsider naming McDonald’s as their official restaurant,” Associate Professor Sacks said.
“The Cats are a beloved part of our community, and they need to consider what’s best for the community through their sponsorship arrangements.
“Given the high rates of obesity in our community, we need to be asking the question whether it is in the best interests of the community for organisations . . . to be so closely affiliated with companies that sell unhealthy food.”
It is not clear how much if any financing the Cats get from the fast-food giant under the AFL deal and the club this week refused to say.
A Cats spokeswoman said the partnership began this year and would continue for years to come — but she would not share the financial details of the arrangement.
“The partnership is part of a league sponsorship with McDonald’s, who are the official restaurant of the AFL,” the club said in a statement.
“McDonald’s has a range of food options and the Healthy Heroes program (run by the Cats) will enable young people to be able to make the best de- cisions in relation to nutrition.
“McDonald’s has long been a supporter of a number of sports and clubs and has a strong community commitment through Ronald McDon- ald house charities and their annual McHappy day.”
The Australian Medical Association said linking fast food and sports could increase the exposure of children to the marketing of poor health choices.
“There is clear evidence that exposure to food advertising influences the food choices of children and their parents, and that poor food choices contribute to obesity,” AMA Victoria president Dr Lorraine Baker said.
“The Cats are a beloved part of our community, and they need to consider what’s best for the community through their sponsorship arrangements.” DEAKIN UNIVERSITY GLOBAL OBESITY CENTRE RESEARCHER GARY SACKS