Watchdog group says Ronald targets kids for unhealthy foods

11:01 AM, Apr 2, 2010   |    comments
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Watchdog group Corporate Accountability International that sent Joe Camel packing for marketing cigarettes to children is now after the red-haired clown.

They say he's targeting kids and feeding into the epidemic of childhood obesity.

The group conducted its own poll and found nearly half of those surveyed say Ronald should go.

Protests like in Los Angeles are one of a dozen such events nationwide.

But so far, they are shrugging it off at corporate headquarters.

The company told CBS News. "Ronald is the beloved brand ambassador for McDonald's and we have no plans to retire him."

But not only is he the mascot of the restaurant, he's the face of the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that helps build homes for families with sick children.

But we want to know what you think. Do you think mascots or cartoon characters draw kids to eat those meals? Or are they just a character and it's the child or the parent's choice what they feed their kids?

Send us your thoughts to cblock@todaysthv.com.