BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK-based broadcaster BBC, has announced plans to reduce unhealthy levels of sugar, salt and fat in children’s food products promoted by BBC TV characters.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


More than 100 children’s food products are licensed by BBC Worldwide, including Heinz Teletubbies pasta shapes.


Salt, sugar and fat will be reduced in such products over the next two years, and popular children’s TV characters such as the Teletubbies will be used to promote staple foods, such as meat, fish, fruit, potatoes and milk, reported BBC News Online.


Some Teletubbies products, such as sweets and cakes, will no longer be available, although birthday cakes will still be sold.


The moves are designed to meet consumer concerns about rising obesity levels and the promotion of food to children. Nutritionists, parents and the government’s Food Standards Agency were among those participating in BBC Worldwide’s review of its licensed products.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Last year, a study showed that a small can of Heinz Teletubbies pasta shapes contained more salt than the entire recommended daily salt intake for a six-year-old.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact