SANTIAGO: Chilean authorities are suing the giant breakfast cereal-makers Nestle and Kelloggs for putting children’s cartoon characters on packets of fattening food in breach of an anti-obesity law, officials said on Tuesday (Nov 22).
The government’s National Consumer Service said in a statement it had filed a suit against the two companies plus Masterfoods, distributor of M&M chocolates, under June’s “Food Labelling Law.”
It accuses the companies of breaching the law by “using children’s characters on packets of various products classed as ‘high in’” certain unhealthy ingredients.
It said the companies had argued they had a commercial right to use the illustrated children’s characters as a brand symbol.
Chile passed the law on Jun 27 aiming to curb high levels of obesity.
Chilean authorities estimate that one in three children under six in the South American country suffers from excessive weight.
The law obliges manufacturers to add warnings to packets of food high in sugar, saturated fats and other fattening nutrients.
It banned manufacturers from putting children’s cartoon characters on products such as boxes of sugary breakfast cereals.
It also outlawed the selling of snacks that include toys, such as “Kinder Surprise” chocolate eggs and McDonalds “Happy Meals.”
SERNAC director Enrnesto Munoz said the body was demanding a US$110,000 fine for each company.
801008 400119Your blog is among the far better blogs Ive came across in months. Thank you for your posts and all the greatest with your function and blog. Looking forward to reading new entries! 139816
651231 87925Outstanding editorial! Would like took pleasure the specific following. Im hoping to learn to read a good deal far more of you. Theres no doubt which you possess tremendous awareness and even imagination. I happen to be really highly fascinated employing this critical info. 74391
363451 378048Fantastic activity! 296115
801008 400119Your blog is among the far better blogs Ive came across in months. Thank you for your posts and all the greatest with your function and blog. Looking forward to reading new entries! 139816
651231 87925Outstanding editorial! Would like took pleasure the specific following. Im hoping to learn to read a good deal far more of you. Theres no doubt which you possess tremendous awareness and even imagination. I happen to be really highly fascinated employing this critical info. 74391