Kinder Surprise and Milka are on the list of the most dangerous sweets

Major snack manufacturers have been accused of using brightly colored, attractively shaped packaging to manipulate children into wanting to eat sweets and chips. This conclusion was reached by the company Bite Back, owned by chef Jamie Oliver, writes The Guardian.

Bite Back asked nutrition experts to analyze 262 sugary products sold in the UK, produced by ten of the biggest food companies. A group of experts from Queen Mary University of London took on the study.

They concluded that 80% of the products they analyzed were sold in colorful packaging with fun patterns and messages that attracted children. However, almost all the products studied in the study (78%) were considered unhealthy due to their high content of sugar, salt and fat. 67% of sweets that featured a character on the packaging were also unhealthy.

Experts have concluded that all 58 child-friendly products produced by Mondelēz International (brands Cadbury, Oreo, Milka and Dairylea) are harmful to health. 22 products produced by Ferrero (brands Kinder Surprise, Nutella and Tic Tac) contain high amounts of fat, salt and sugar. Mars, PepsiCo and Kellogg's also sell dozens of products, some appealing to children, that are unhealthy. At the same time, all Danone products whose appearance appeals to children were found to be non-hazardous.

Bite Back chief executive James Toope has asked UK authorities to introduce new packaging rules to "restrict these harmful tactics of the junk food giants".

Mondelez was outraged by the study's findings and called itself a "responsible food manufacturer" that complies with UK marketing laws. The company added that its products "are marketed to adults and parents and are intended as an occasional treat." The manufacturer also did not agree that bright colors and unusual shapes make the product attractive to children.

The British Food and Drink Federation came out in defense of large companies. A spokesman told The Guardian that producers "strictly adhere to guidelines for advertising less healthy food and drink products in children's media, including television, online, cinemas, print media and outdoors."

To receive the main news faster, subscribe to our telegram and Twitter .