In Chile, the Kinder and McDonald’s brands will no longer be able to offer toys with their products to appeal to the youngest. A shock measure to fight obesity.
In a country where more than half of the population is overweight, the Chilean government has just taken a symbolic step. From June 27, the McDonald’s and Kinder brands will no longer have the right to seduce the youngest by slipping gifts or toys into their products. Because very often, it is the toy hidden in the chocolate egg that attracts young Chileans, like the gift offered in HappyMeal, MacDonald’s children’s menu. For Chilean officials, by promising toys, these brands encourage the youngest to eat fat, and badly. In Chile, one in three children under six is overweight. A record rate.
New measures
It took five years for the country to pass this law, weakened by lobbies, constantly on a war footing. Another flagship measure, Kinder ads for children will be banned. In large food chains, labels can guide the youngest and their parents on the high salt or sugar content of foods. In all, nearly 8,000 food products will have to change their packaging. “Our society is really sick, it seemed necessary to have very strong public policies”, emphasizes to AFP Samuel Duran, president of the College of nutritionists of Chile. For the past ten years, the country has seen diabetes explode, recording 80% of new cases. In question: the excessive consumption of sugars and salt. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in the world.
Italian retailer Ferrero has let it be known that it could resort to to appeal, considering that this new law “affects the reputation of one of its most popular products”. In the United States, Kinder Surprise is already prohibited. Since 1938, the association of a foodstuff with another substance – toys for example – has been prohibited.
.
