Ed Liu
01-19-2006, 10:56 AM
Two consumer groups have announced their intention to sue Viacom, parent company of Nickelodeon, and the Kellogg Company over their use of SpongeBob SquarePants (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/19/business/media/19kellogg.html) and other cartoon characters to sell food of "poor nutritional quality" to children under 8 (registration required). The Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, and two parents are suing under Massachusetts' aggressive consumer protection laws, which also mandate giving 30-days notice before suing.
A Viacom spokesman claimed criticisms over the use of cartoon characters like SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer were unfounded because of efforts the company has made to promote healthier eating habits.
A Viacom spokesman claimed criticisms over the use of cartoon characters like SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer were unfounded because of efforts the company has made to promote healthier eating habits.