On June 7, the Law on Nutritional Composition of Food and its Publicity entered into force in Chile, which has Senido Guido Girardi as its main driver. And it is precisely this parliamentarian who just denounced several restoration chains for violating the new law which, among other things, prohibits including toys in children's food.
Supporting the Girardi initiative, the 'Chao Cajita Feliz Citizen Movement' is positioned. Its members are interested in complying with a Law that is part of the Chilean public policy to promote healthy eating and has Aim to prevent diseases such as obesity. It seems that Chile is not sparing the increase in cases of overweight or obesity that has been occurring in children and adolescents. The axes of the fight against these diseases (to which other pathologies are associated) are education and control of the supply of unhealthy foods.
And this is the reason for the lawsuit filed against Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, McDonald's, which also includes various manufacturers of prepared cereals, treats, ice cream, and other products. that include toys, colored pencils, adhesives or any other product with similar characteristics as a claim.
In short, what is intended is to try to get the public to approach the different offers attracted by the quality of the menus offered, without mediating additional elements that are so attractive to children
From Chile, nutrition expert Cecilia Castillo believes that in addition to breaking the Law, Respondent companies are committing abuse by attracting children's attention through toys and other business claims. Although it seems an unequal struggle, this pediatrician asks that the health of children be placed before the great commercial interests.
What is clear is that they have reason to be concerned about children's health, because the incidence of obesity in children of six years is 23%, reaching 43% if the cases of overweight are added. Although unfortunately it is not the only country in which this problem has exploded. In fact we have already seen recently that in Spain it is already detected even at very early ages (three to five years). And there are few efforts made by different countries to combat it through different initiatives such as the 'Move it, movement tour' tour in the United States.
Obviously The responsibility for increasing cases of overweight and obesity in younger people is not attributable solely to fast food chains. Families have a lot to say about it, and we have an obligation to inform ourselves to prevent. Although thinking about this obligation, the right to decide for your children is linked among a variety of offers whose 'hook' are healthy and balanced menus.
Images | whitneyinchicago, puuikibeach on Flickr. Via | The Fifth Power In Peques and More | Burger King proposes SpongeBob toys on their menus since October 13, The Happy Meal cornered in the city of San Francisco
