Say Goodbye to the Happy Meal

By: Travis Chan
New Rochelle, NY- Goodbye Beanie Babies, Barbie and Hot Wheels and say hello to apple slices. Starting in December 2011, McDonald’s infamous Happy Meal will undergo a drastic change. Earlier this month, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to stop toy giveaways that are included with unhealthy meals in an effort to fight childhood obesity.
A Happy Meal that contains an excessive amount of calories, sodium or fat will not include a toy, unless it contains a serving of fruit or vegetables. The ordinance will apply to all restaurants, not just McDonald’s. Supervisor Eric Mar who promoted the campaign said, "We're part of a movement that is moving forward an agenda of food justice. From San Francisco to New York City, the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country is making our kids sick, particularly kids from low income neighborhoods, at an alarming rate. It's a survival issue and a day-to-day issue."

The law is expected to take effect at the end of next year. Restaurants may include a toy with a meal if the food and drink combined contain fewer than 600 calories, and if the fat content is less than 35% of the total calories. The average Happy Meal contains 550 calories.
McDonald’s argues that the law is a threat to business and that it denies parents the right to choose what they can eat. McDonald’s spokeswoman Danya Proud expressed her frustration, “We are extremely disappointed with today's decision. It's not what our customers want, nor is it something they asked for. Public opinion continues to be overwhelmingly against this misguided legislation. Parents tell us it's their right and responsibility -- not the government's -- to make their own decisions and to choose what's right for their children."

The Happy Meal plays a major role in the food chain’s business. According to the most recent data (2006) gathered by a U.S. Federal Trade Commission report, fast-food industries like McDonald’s spent more than $520 million on toys and advertising to promote meals for children.
San Francisco is not the first California city to put food restrictions in place. Santa Clara County imposed a similar measure in April. Other cities across the country are starting to follow suit. New York City for example, is considering banning food stamp users from purchasing soda with the food benefits.
Time will tell if these restrictions will actually prove effective in improving children’s health and eating habits. Whose side are you on? Should parents have the freedom to feed their child whatever they choose, or can these new guidelines improve the health of our country?


Expand Ur Knowledge

The Talk- McDonald's Happy Meal Ban

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Sources:
Latimes.com

livestrong.com

moneywatch.bnet.com

newsmaxhealth.com

walletpop.com