Balance of Food

If Shrek was real, his switchover would be seen as insincere at best. And it's not clear how less-sugary his behavior has become. Shrek, a previous hawker of a sugary cereal, is being used on the Small Steps Obesity Prevention campaign via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This sounds good, but it's not that good. In time for "Shrek 3," McDonald's and Mars will use the character to promote its food products. McDonald's will use Shrek to promote Apple Dippers, a "healthier" item (that caramel sauce can't be good for you). Don't worry, Shrek will still promote true sweetness; Mars will offer a Snickers candy bar featuring green "Shrek filling" and "ogre sized" peanut butter M&M's. I realize cartoon characters will always promote sugar and sweetness, but there should be some guidelines. Not that characters should be required to do anti-obesity programs, but some common sense knowing that kids are easily swayed by cartoon characters.