Chile bans marketing of toys in children's food

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and other fast-food companies are being accused in Chile of violating the country's new law against including toys with children's meals.

These and other companies are knowingly endangering the health of children by marketing kids' meals with toys more than a month after the law took effect on June 7, Senator Giudo Gerardi said as he filed a formal complaint on Wednesday seeking a health ministry investigation.

Mr Gerardi said he's also targeting the makers of cereal, popsicles and other products that are sold with toys, crayons or stickers as a way to attract children, as well as the markets where these foods are sold.

If Chile's health ministry upholds his allegations, the companies could be forced to remove the products or face nominal fines.