Australian parents’ activists attack Kelloggs and McDonalds in ‘Fame and Shame Awards’ but McCain is acclaimed
Australian parents’ activist group the Parent’s Jury has slammed two major food companies, Kelloggs and McDonalds, claiming that their marketing campaigns in Australia are misleading.
Both companies featured in the Parents’ Jury’s ‘Fame and Shame Awards 2011’.
McDonald’s use of Australian cricket hero Shane Warne to endorse its Chicken McBites came under fire for “using sport to promote unhealthy food which influences children”.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain cereal, which the Parent’s Jury said is marketed as “a good option for young boys who want to grow into Iron Men” was condemned for using claims on the packaging that “make an unhealthy product appear healthier than it is”.
In addition, Kellogg’s 4D Choc Bar advertisement was awarded a ‘Shame Award for Pester Power’ for “encouraging children to nag for unhealthy foods”.
Parents’ Jury Manager Corrina Langelaan said, “With one in four Australian children considered to be overweight or obese, it’s no longer enough to simply tell parents to say no. We as a society have to take a stand and tell the industry its codes are not good enough. Parents need a positive environment to reinforce healthy eating habits, instead of constantly battling unhealthy food promotion.”
Members of The Parents’ Jury gave the thumbs up to the McCain’s school veggie patches campaign. It won the Parents’ Choice Award for its programme to encourage schools to develop their own vegetable gardens.
AFGC responds to ‘Fame and Shame’ awards
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) Chief Executive Kate Carnell released a statement today responding to the Parents’ Jury’s “Fame and Shame” awards.
She said, “Parents should be reminded about the important steps industry is taking to make healthier choices easier and to significantly reduce advertising of foods that that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) to children in all forms of media.
“Under the AFGC’s Responsible Children’s Marketing Initiative, leading food and beverage manufacturers have committed not to advertise HFSS foods to children under 12, unless they promoted healthy dietary choices and a healthy lifestyle.”
Last month, Australian Food News reported on a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics which found that television food advertisements can have more impact on a child’s food choices than advice from their own parents.
