The typical Happy Meal contains the choice of a hamburger or chicken nuggets, small fries, a drink, and a child’s toy. In addition, the Happy Meal based on choosing a hamburger and low fat chocolate milk consists of:
· 650 calories
· 30.5 g of total fat(including trans fats)
· 35mg of cholesterol
· 830mg of sodium
The typical child age 2-3, who on average should consume about 1000 calories /day, mostly from fruits and vegetables, consumes Happy Meals, sometimes daily. At the same time, the rise in childhood obesity is becoming alarming. According to the CDC, childhood obesity has tripled over the last 30 years. For this reason, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has set guidelines through an ordinance, which will affect how Happy Meals are sold. If these guidelines are not met, then the meals cannot be sold, in other words the traditional Happy Meal has been banned. If the Happy Meal is to be sold, it has to follow these specific guidelines:
· calories: Less than 600
· Sodium: Less than 640 milligram
· Fat: Less than 35 percent of calories from fat; Less than 10 percent from saturated fat (with exception for nuts, seeds, eggs or low-fat cheese)
· Fruits & Vegetables: At least half a cup of fruit or three-quarters of a cup of vegetables
In response to the guidelines, 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 Meal (AFP News)”. Like McDonald’s, most parents are not thrilled with this decision. They feel that it is their right to feed their children whatever they want and the government should not interfere. In my opinion, the board made a great decision, and more cities should follow their lead. I would rather have the public despise me based on this decision, than to see more children grow up with obesity, along with its complications.
On a final note, McDonald’s representatives need to perhaps spend a day with an individual suffering from the complications of obesity. As a result, they would see the importance behind modifying their product, under the new guidelines. Until that happens, I say, “Good for you San Francisco, your decision is a step closer towards fighting childhood obesity.”
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I definitely agree, Monica.... A huge chain like McDonald's needs to set an example/be made to set an example. If parents want to feed their kids whatever they want, they can cook greasy burgers for them at home. But as the largest restaurant chain in the US, something needs to be done about these popular meals. Good article!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine, I agree with your opinion as well, something needs to be done!
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