Call to ban Paddle Pop lion from packaging
CARTOON characters such as the Paddle Pop lion should be banned from packaging because they encourage kids to eat unhealthy foods, an obesity expert says.
Deakin University’s Associate Professor Gary Sacks said tighter marketing restrictions were needed to reduce the appeal of ice-creams, chips, chocolates and sugary cereals to children.
“Images such as the Paddle Pop lion, Coco the Monkey, the Nesquik bunny and M&M’s characters are attractive to youngsters,” he said.
Prof Sacks said only healthy brands should be spruiked during family-friendly sporting events such as AFL matches.
“Promises are made to not directly target children ... but self-regulation is full of loopholes,” he said. “Recently Zooper Dooper icy poles were promoted on grounds for AFLX games.”
The brand also features in the hugely popular Big Bash on umpire uniforms.
Australian Food and Grocery Council deputy chief executive Dr Geoffrey Annison said the World Health Organisation “assessed Australia as having fully achieved its commitments to marketing restrictions to children”.