Paddle Pop Lion on the chopping block as PC police say cartoons should be BANNED from unhealthy food

  •  Cartoon characters used to promote sugary food should be banned, experts say
  • The colourful advertisements make ‘junk food’ more appealing to children 
  • Associate Professor Gary Sacks, of Deakin University, wants them all banned

The well-known cartoon characters decorating everything from sugary breakfast cereals to ice creams could soon be banned – because they make junk food more appealing to children.

Old favourites like the Coco Pops monkey, the Paddle Pop lion and Toucan Sam – the Fruit Loops mascot could be the first to go.

The suggestion comes from Associate Professor Gary Sacks, of Deakin University, according to the Herald Sun.

The well-known cartoon characters decorating everything from sugary breakfast cereals to ice creams could soon be banned

The suggestion comes from Associate Professor Gary Sacks, of Deakin University

The suggestion comes from Associate Professor Gary Sacks, of Deakin University

Professor Sacks, who is an obesity expert, claims the cheerful cartoons encourage children and teens to eat unhealthy foods.

‘Images such as the Paddle Pop lion, Coco the monkey, the Nesquik bunny and M&M’s characters are attractive to youngsters,’ he said.

He believes marketing restrictions should be placed on sugary foods – including the imagery they use to sell their products as well as the time of day they can be advertised.

He also believes unhealthy food should not be marketed at sporting events.

The World Health Organisation has assessed Australia as meeting its commitments to marketing toward children.

Professor Sacks, who is an obesity expert, claims the cheerful cartoons encourage children and teens to eat unhealthy foods

Professor Sacks, who is an obesity expert, claims the cheerful cartoons encourage children and teens to eat unhealthy foods

He believes marketing restrictions should be placed on sugary foods - including the imagery they use to sell their products as well as the time of day they can be advertised

He believes marketing restrictions should be placed on sugary foods – including the imagery they use to sell their products as well as the time of day they can be advertised

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