Business

McDonald’s CEO says Happy Meals feature properly-sized, ‘quality’ options after harsh criticism

interns Contributor
Font Size:

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.

Full post: McDonald’s CEO stands up for Happy Meals – Chicago Breaking Business