Sunny Delight is Additive Nightmare, say Parents
By Nicole Martin

Food targeted at children was criticised by parents as 'vile', 'sugary' and 'over-processed' yesterday.

In a survey of 800 parents, the drink Sunny Delight won the award for 'additive nightmare', with accusations that it had 'pitifully low levels of real fruit juice - just 15 per cent'.

The 'pester power' award for manipulative advertising or marketing techniques went to McDonalds Happy meals for using toys to entice children into the chain. The verdicts were issued by the Food Commission following the survey of parents.

Other products which failed to impress the parents' jury included Dairylea Lunchables which contain ham and cheese slices and wheat crackers. Parents described the snack as 'over-processed rubbish'.

Criticism was also levelled at Kellogg's Real Fruit Winders, a wound-up length of fruit-flavoured jelly. This won the 'tooth rot' award.

Annie Seeley, of the Food Commission, said: "Children's foods are often low in essential nutrients but high in fat, salt and sugar, and rely on artificial colouring and flavourings for their appeal."

Kraft Foods, makers of Dairylea Lunchables, said that parents recognised "the importance of making food attractive and tasty" and gave them the product "as an occasional and fun treat".

McDonald's insisted that all its advertising was "legal, decent, honest and truthful". Procter and Gamble, the makers of Sunny Delight, said it was not surprised by the verdict given "the high profile, controversy and criticism levelled against the brand following its launch". Kellogg's did not comment.

Among the foods highlighted for praise were Sun-Maid Raisins and Captain Organic dried fruit, which were said to be ideal for children's lunchboxes.

Sainsbury's Blue Parrot Café range and Organic Brands were praised for taking steps to reduce additives.

Martin Paterson, deputy director general of the Food and Drink Federation, said parents and children could work together to create a healthy lunchbox.

"No one food is bad. Balance is the key and demonising individual products which are marketed as snacks or treats may be unhelpful to both parents and children."
Daily Telegraph 16th July 2002

PHILLIP DAY'S COMMENTS: Actually, I think demonising products with poor nutritional content and a potential for ill-health is absolutely the helpful way to go. How many parents are lamenting their children's behaviour, obesity or dental nightmares without blaming themselves for all the junk they have been shovelling into their winkies for so long? Next year's target for my tours will include the food industry and its processed foods, which are often forgotten in the public's long-running indignation towards the drug industry. I think families are finally wising up to the overwhelming difference food really makes to their happiness and existence. Remember, if you don't buy it, they won't make it. It's a money thing.