July 14, 2010

Take this happy meal and shove it

An excellent response from McDonald's CEO to the nattering nabobs of negativity. From Chicago Breaking Business:
McDonald�s CEO stands up for Happy Meals
McDonald�s defended its Happy Meals on Wednesday against claims by a consumer advocacy group, with McDonald�s CEO Jim Skinner saying that �Happy Meals are a fun treat, with right-sized, quality food choices.�

Skinner�s letter addressing this issue comes a week after the Center for Science in the Public Interest sent a letter to McDonald�s threatening to sue if the company didn�t stop using toys to market Happy Meals to young children.

�By advertising that Happy Meals include toys, McDonald�s unfairly and deceptively markets directly to children,� the letter stated. CSPI said Happy Meals lead children to develop a lifelong habit of eating meals that are �too high in calories, saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, and devoid of whole grains.� In addition, CSPI said that none of the 24 Happy Meal combinations listed on McDonald�s Web site meet the 430 calories lunch target, one-third of the 1,300 calories recommended daily intake for children 4 to 8 years old.

McDonald�s said it offers parents choices and variety in Happy Meals, and �makes available in-depth, comprehensive nutrition information.� It emphasized that parents are fully capable of making their own decisions when it comes to feeding their children.

�It seems that you purposefully skewed your evaluation of our Happy Meals by putting them in the context of a highly conservative 1,300 calorie per day requirement,� Skinner contended. �I�m sure you know this category generally applies to the youngest and most sedentary children.�
Yeah riiight. It's the evil corporations that serve the bad food that makes our kids obese. And it's the benevolent gubbmint that takes care of us. I apologize for my little moment of mental disconnect but something is not quite rite here... A hat tip to Clayton Cramer for the link. Posted by DaveH at July 14, 2010 10:45 AM
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