McDonald's Restaurant
The Center for Science in the Public Interest along with a 41-year-old mother of two, filed suit in California alleging the company uses deceptive advertising practices to lure children to their fast-food restaurants. The suit accuses McDonald’s of using promotional toys to make children harass their parents until they take them to the restaurant.
The complaint also charges McDonalds of serving Happy Meals with amounts of fat, sodium and calories that are above the recommended levels for children under 8 years of age.
Lately McDonald’s has also come under fire from public health officials, parents and lawmakers who are frustrated with rising childhood obesity rates and weak efforts from restaurant operators to help curb obesity. For example, the San Francisco board of supervisors voted in November to ban the sale of Happy Meals starting late next year.
CSPI director of litigation, Stephen Gardner, admits that McDonald’s isn’t the only fast-food chain that sells meals with toys. The reason McDonald’s was targeted is because it is the biggest. He added that the group has conducted discussions with other chains, including Burger King, which it has not threatened to sue.
A statement issued by the company said, “We are proud of our Happy Meals and intend to vigorously defend our brand, our reputation and our food. We are confident that parents understand and appreciate that Happy Meals are a fun treat, with quality, right-sized food choices for their children that can fit into a balanced diet.”
One alternative for parents is to say no to their children or provide options that will teach them to make healthy choices.
