Should McDonald’s Ditch the Happy Meal Toys?

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REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Happy Meals without toys!? Sacrilege!

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is threatening to sue McDonald’s if they don’t stop distributing Happy Meal toys within 30 days. CSPI claims the use of Happy Meal toys is illegal and predatory and lures kids into unhealthy eating habits.

“McDonald’s is the stranger in the playground handing out candy to children. McDonald’s use of toys undercuts parental authority and exploits young children’s developmental immaturity — all this to induce children to prefer foods that may harm their health. It’s a creepy and predatory practice that warrants an injunction,” stated CSPI litigation director Stephen Gardner in a letter to McDonald’s CEO.

Creepy and predatory? Ronald McDonald never seemed so sinister! The lawsuit came several weeks after a California’s Santa Clara County banned Happy Meal toys until McDonald’s could meet certain nutritional guidelines. (via Food Safety News)