An alleged doll called "Nenuco Won't Eat" elicits outrage among critics who claim that it encourages anorexia among children, the Daily Mail reports.
The makers of the doll created it in such a way that it refuses to eat and shakes her head when 'forced' to has been accused of encouraging anorexia. The feeding spoon used to feed the doll contains a magnet that triggers an internal switch which closes the doll's mouth. However, if the user turns the spoon over and presses it against her lips, the doll will accept the food.
Makers of the doll claim that they designed the toy to help children understand the frustrations of normal life and how important it is to eat properly. On the other hand, critiques claim there is a more dangerous subliminal message that will encourage girls to refuse food. Chris Leaman, policy manager at YoungMinds said: "This doll sends the wrong message to children and encourages them to think that refusing food is normal behavior."
"We would not want children to be influenced by this, and are concerned that it promotes unhealthy attitudes towards food and body image." Beat charity, an organization which campaigns on anorexia and bulimia said: "Research shows young children are becoming aware of body image at a much earlier age. A doll that refuses food is hardly a good example to them."
Nikki Jeffery, UK marketing director of Nenuco's maker, Famosa, said: "We know that children often don't eat what they are given, but the doll is designed to show them how important it is that they eat properly. It's about enabling young girls to have the closest experience possible to being a "real mum". We are not encouraging children not to eat."
