Sydney  - The Coca-Cola Co was ordered Thursday by Australian regulators to tell consumers an advertising campaign that said soft drinks didn't make people fat was misleading.

The US food and beverage giant had run a campaign stating it was a myth that Coke made people fat, rotted their teeth and contained lots of caffeine.

The Australian Dental Association and other health lobbying groups complained to Australia's consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which ruled Coca-Cola had breached the Trade Practices Act.

Australian Dental Association head Neil Hewson said sweet, fizzy drinks were "a key factor in the deteriorating health of Australian children."

Obesity Policy Coalition spokeswoman Jane Martin welcomed the commission's ruling.

"Coca-Cola consumers should not be led to believe that Coke is a healthy product," she said. "It contains high amounts of sugar, calories and caffeine and provides no valuable nutrition." (dpa)