A promotional poster of the cartoon "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf". [Photo/22DM.com]

A rumor that the popular Chinese cartoon series "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf" had reportedly been banned in France was refuted by the cartoon's producer on Monday, China National Radio reports.

The online rumor, which was spread on the popular microblogging platform Weibo, said that the cartoon series had been banned in France following supposed claims from an Iranian scientist that it affects the development of children's brains.

A senior official with the public relations department at Creative Power Entertaining, the company that produces the series, said the cartoon has not yet been introduced to France, and therefore could not have been banned.

As for the alleged claim that the cartoon affects children's brain development, the Iranian scientist was apparently quoted as saying that a child's brain exhibited irregular activity, similar to that of patients who suffer from epilepsy, after watching the cartoon for a period of 30 minutes, according to a publication referred to as the Singapore Health Science and Technology News.

However, reporters have been unable to locate the Singapore Health Science and Technology News online and the Iranian scientist failed to provide any substantial research findings to prove his claims.

"It's not scientific or possible, though I admit, I haven't been able to get access to this individual's research," said Doctor Cui, head of the department of pediatrics with Beijing Anding Hospital. "Despite the fact that the cartoon stimulates young minds, it's hard for a cartoon to lead to an epileptic reaction. The case is not universal."

However, parents should control the amount of time that children spend watching television programs and animated films, suggests Cui, for the purpose of protecting children's eyesight and health.

The "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf" cartoon series has enjoyed fame among Chinese children and its characters have entered into Chinese popular culture, being printed on children's T-shirts, shoes and entertainment products.

The cartoon has received many television awards and the main character, "Pleasant goat", is now regarded as one of the most popular cartoon images and licensing brands in China.