clipped from: www.theage.com.au   
A boy displays giveaway Hello Kitty dolls used in a McDonald’s promotion in Hong Kong.

A boy displays giveaway Hello Kitty dolls used in a McDonald’s promotion in Hong Kong. Photo: AP

HEALTH groups have called on the Federal Government to ban the junk-food industry's free toy and competition offers often used to promote fast-food meal deals and sugary cereals to children.

The Obesity Policy Coalition, which includes VicHealth, Cancer Council Victoria and Diabetes Australia, believes the persuasive marketing tactics should only be used to advertise healthy food and drink to reduce the nation's rising childhood obesity rate.

Under a ban, food ranging from cereal and chocolate to soft drinks and meal deals could not use free toy, competition or celebrity-endorsed promotions if the food did not meet government-approved nutrition standards.

"It is all very well to talk about trying to increase physical activity in schools, but we really have to look at other ways that are creating demand for foods for children which are not healthy to be eating.