LOS ANGELES (AFP) - – Fast food giant McDonald's said Wednesday
it was "extremely disappointed" at a ruling by San Francisco
authorities banning high-calorie Happy Meals, which entice children
to eat with free toys.
The response came after the Californian city's board of
supervisors voted to forbid restaurants from giving gifts with
meals that contain too much fat and sugar.
"We are extremely disappointed with this decision. Its not what
our customers want, nor is it something they asked for," said
McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud.
Happy Meals, which typically come in a colorful cardboard box
packed with a burger, a drink, fries and desert, are popular with
hard-pressed parents as well as children, she said.
"Public opinion continues to be overwhelmingly against this
misguided legislation. Parents tell us it's their right and
responsibility, not the government's, to ... to choose whats right
for their children."
And she added: "We are extremely proud of our Happy Meals which
give our youngest guests wholesome food and toys of the highest
quality. Getting a toy with a kid's meal is just one part of a fun,
family experience at McDonald's."
Under the ban agreed in a preliminary vote Tuesday, restaurants
in San Francisco would have to provide fruit and vegetables with
meals accompanied by free toys, according to the San Francisco
Chronicle.
"This is a tremendous victory for our children's health," said
the state education board's Eric Mar, chief sponsor of the
legislation.
The measure will go to a full vote next week and if approved
would not come into force before December 2011.
Scott Rodrick, who owns 10 McDonald's franchises in the city,
was quoted by the paper as saying: "Somehow the San Francisco Board
of Supervisors just took the happy out of Happy Meals."
"It would be an understatement to say how disappointed I am with
this legislation," he added.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101103/tls-us-health-obesity-mcdonalds-aeafa1b.html
