Nutritionists have called for the retirement of the famed McDonald's mascot, Ronald McDonald, after claiming he encourages children to eat unhealthily.

The nutrition specialists, some of whom may be in dietitian jobs, have also said Ronald could be partially to blame for the "fast-growing global epidemic" of obesity in children.

However according to Health World Web, McDonald's is standing by its long-standing mascot - who has been with the corporation since 1971. It also added that it is "committed to children's health" and their ongoing nutrition.

The fast-food favourite also released a statement to confirm this, claiming: "We are committed to responsible advertising and take our communications to children very seriously."

"Ronald is ambassador for good and delivers important messages to kids on safety, literacy and balanced, active lifestyles."

McDonald's also highlighted the good work done by Ronald's foundation, Ronald McDonald House, which helps promote the general well-being and health of kids across the world.

Not everyone has been left convinced by the McDonald's argument though, and one medical expert, professor Steven Rothschild, told Medical News Today what he and his organisation - Corporate Accountability International - intend to do about Ronald.

He said: "Through this initiative, the public health community is rallying behind a simple message to McDonald's: stop making the next generation sick; retire Ronald and the rest of your junk food marketing to kids."