The Walt Disney Company has introduced new food guidelines aimed at giving children and parents healthier eating options.

The guidelines will initially apply to all Walt Disney-licensed and endorsed food in the USA, but will be rolled out internationally over time.

Disney is also set on improving the nutritional value of meals served at restaurants in its parks and resorts.

The move will see the removal of trans fats from food at its parks by the end of 2007 and from its licensed and promotional products by the end of 2008.

Disney president Robert Iger said: “The Disney brand and characters are in a unique position to market food that kids and parents will feel good about giving them.”

Mickey Mouse’s guidelines

• A cap on calories that will result in appropriate kid-sized portions
• Total fat will not exceed 30% of calories for main and side dishes and 35% for snacks
• Saturated fat will not exceed 10% of calories for main dishes, side dishes and snacks
• Added sugar will not exceed 10% of calories for main dishes and side dishes and 25% of calories for snacks
   

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By Chris Druce

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