Character Ban on junk food

The Age, Annabel Stafford, 1 August 2007; The Age, Editorial, 1 August 2007; The Herald Sun,
Matthew Franklin, 1 August 2007

 

Federal Labor health spokeswoman Nicola Roxon recently suggested a ban on using cartoon characters such as
Shrek to market junk food to kids. However, The Honourable Kevin Rudd appears indifferent to the proposal.

Instead, Opposition Leader Mr Rudd argues that parents are responsible for and should influence what children in
their care eat. It is an argument that mirrors the Howard Government’s stand on the issue.

Ms Roxon has stated that childhood obesity can be tackled by banning popular culture cartoons and figures
appearing on children’s food and snacks.

'I could not believe that Shrek is used to sell everything from yoghurt to chocolate eggs to cheese crackers and I
am sure there is another long list that I have forgotten,' Ms Roxon said.

While neither Mr Rudd nor Ms Roxon have confirmed the ban, they do not hide the fact that the growing rate of
obesity and diabetes in children are major concerns for them.

On the other hand, Liberal MP Mal Washer argues that marketing and advertising has a huge effect on people,
especially younger children. Whereas adults can take no notice of marketing hype featured in television
advertisements, children cannot.

According to the Australian Association of National Advertisers, a ban on characters and cartoons would not make
much difference to children’s food choices.

 

 

 

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