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New law targets fast-food toys

Summary

10 November 2010

San Francisco has passed a law banning fast-food restaurants from giving away toys with some children's meals. Supporters say many fast-food meals are very unhealthy, but McDonald's called the legislation misguided.

Reporter:

Rajesh Mirchandani

Report

It could spell the end of the Happy Meal, the fast-food snack that's a hit with children at McDonald's, because it comes with a free toy. City leaders in San Francisco argued the same meals also come with too many calories and they say that has added to a situation where nearly 20% of American children are obese.

Now San Francisco has become the first major US city to ban fast-food restaurants from giving away toys with meals that don't meet nutritional guidelines. In future, you'll only get the toy if you buy a healthy snack.

The burger giant McDonald's sent senior executives to the city to oppose the measure. In a statement, the company said: ''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.''

McDonald's, Burger King and 15 other food companies have signed up to self-regulate how they advertise food to youngsters.

Rajesh Mirchandani, BBC News