The BBC is to stop using popular children’s characters such as the Teletubbies to sell unhealthy food.
The corporation announced that high levels of sugar, salt and fat would be reduced in food promoted by the characters that will also now be used to push healthier fruit and vegetable snacks.
BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster’s commercial arm, currently licenses more than 100 children’s food products.
Tim Lobstein of independent watchdog the Food Commission said: “For over two years we have urged the BBC to take children’s health seriously when allowing their popular characters to be used to sell sweets, puddings and processed meals to children.
“We hope to see other character licensing agencies follow the BBC’s lead voluntarily or they may find themselves forced to change by regulation.”
The corporation announced that high levels of sugar, salt and fat would be reduced in food promoted by the characters that will also now be used to push healthier fruit and vegetable snacks.
BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster’s commercial arm, currently licenses more than 100 children’s food products.
Tim Lobstein of independent watchdog the Food Commission said: “For over two years we have urged the BBC to take children’s health seriously when allowing their popular characters to be used to sell sweets, puddings and processed meals to children.
“We hope to see other character licensing agencies follow the BBC’s lead voluntarily or they may find themselves forced to change by regulation.”
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