Critics Slam 'Nenuco Won't Eat' Doll for Anorexic Behaviour, Urges UK to Ban Sale to Children
Mental health experts are outraged over the new doll "Nenuco Won't Eat" which is set to be sold in the UK in February. The doll, designed to turn its head away when food is offered, has provoked the ire of critics who claim it encourages children to develop eating disorders like anorexia.
Critics said they are "deeply worried" about the impending sale of the Nenuco doll since it could influence young children to normalise eating disorders. The Nenuco Won't Eat Doll is manufactured by Spanish company Famosa. The new doll was revealed at the London Toy Fair on Jan 22.
The doll is already sold across Europe and will reach the shelves of major UK retailers a few weeks from today. The Nenuco doll is priced at 34.99 British pounds and comes with a magnet in her spoon. When a child plays and feeds the doll, the magnet causes the doll's head to turn away. The baby doll's head would repeatedly turn away until the child aligns the spoon correctly to the doll's mouth. This is the time the doll will eat the food.
YoungMinds, a child and adolescent mental health charity, criticised the doll for promoting unhealthy behaviour towards food. The charity's policy manager, Chris Leaman, remarked that the doll will only send a wrong message to children who will think refusing to eat is normal. Mr Leaman said children might get the wrong impression about their body image while growing up.
YoungMinds is appealing to manufacturers to be responsible and consider the doll's impact on children who are "incredibly receptive." Mr Leaman revealed that four out of 10 children resorted to skipping meals to remain thin.
Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association's Anita Worcester commented she wouldn't want an "anorexic" doll on the shelves.
Despite the criticisms, Famosa UK Marketing Director Nikki Jeffrey defended the new doll and said it only represents what's happening in real life. She cites that babies often turn away from food when their mothers try to feed them.
Ms Jeffrey told Mail Online that the Nenuco Won't Eat doll is a toy for a child to play the role of parent to a child. She explains that the doll turning its head away is similar to a mischievous child. After some encouraging, the doll eats the food.
Contrary to the opinion of mental health experts, Ms Jeffrey believes the doll will teach children the value of eating fruits and vegetables.
