No More Happy Meal Toys?

Tell it to the judge, Ronald.

That’s the first line of a press release just out from our allies at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). In an exciting development, CSPI announced today that they will be filing suit against McDonald's if the corporation does not stop using toys to promote Happy Meals. CSPI’s notice says that McDonald’s toy-related promotions violate state consumer protection laws in Massachusetts, Texas, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and California. CSPI’s letter gives McDonald’s 30 days to agree to stop the practice before a suit is filed.

This case is exciting news for those of us concerned with the fast food industry’s dangerous and irresponsible practice of marketing directly to kids. Together with Corporate Accountability International’s Retire Ronald initiative, this lawsuit builds pressure on McDonald’s to end its long-standing practice of peddling junk food to children.

Pressure like this is absolutely necessary in light of the health epidemic that we face-- today, one in three children will become diabetic during their lifetime as a result of a McDonald’s-style diet. Meanwhile, the fast food industry continues to use Ronald McDonald, happy meals, and a range of other tactics to market directly to kids. That is why Corporate Accountability International, its allies, and supporters advocate for an end to youth-oriented marketing practices such as Ronald McDonald.

CSPI’s actions are commendable and encourage McDonald’s to do the right thing and drop its use of toys before the suit goes to trial.

And hey, tell Ronald: Stop all marketing to kids, won’t ya?


Post by Jamie Gordon