San Francisco Bans Happy Meals

CNN reports that under San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar's proposal McDonalds and other restaurants would have until December 2011 to improve the nutrition of the meals offered if the restaurants want to continue offering toys tied to the latest films.

The proposal would enforce that the food and beverages contain less than 600 calories and less than 35 percent of total calories from fat. The meals will be required to contain 0.5 cups of fruit and 0.75 cups of vegetables and offer less than 640 mg of sodium and less than 0.5 mg of trans fat.

This is part of a "food justice movement" that addresses that over 50 of the restaurants in San Francisco use toys and other giveaways to sell fast food while the nutritional content of the meals is being challenged by the city.

Mar tells CNN that the ordinance would be a "tremendous victory" in fighting childhood obesity:

"I do believe that toys and other incentives attached to foods that are high in sugar, fat and calories are a major reason for the alarming rise for childhood obesity in this country. This is a very modest ordinance that is an incentive for the industry to take responsibility for healthier choices for children and parents."

Danya Proud is McDonald's spokeswoman; her response to the potential ban of happy meals is one of disappointment. She tells CNN:

"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. 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."

McDonald's is expected to challenge this legally once the ordinance is approved.