Happy Meals banned in SF?
Have you read about how a member of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors is trying to ban Happy Meals? He’s not specifically targeting McDonald’s; instead, he’s going after any fast food joint that offers kids toys with “unhealthy” meals. The idea behind this is to take a step towards preventing obesity or whatever.
I don’t know about you, but I think this kind of legislation goes a bit too far. Why don’t we just leave it to parents to make food choices for their kids? If parents want to let their children eat one too many Happy Meals, whose business is it? If these same parents then have to scramble to read Lipovox reviews as their kids turn into overweight teens, then so be it, ya know?
I guess I don’t understand why the government feels it has a right to tell people what they can and cannot eat. My 7-year-old loves McDonald’s — and it’s not just for the stupid toy. He’ll eat there even if I specifically tell him he can’t have a Happy Meal. It’s the burgers and fries themselves that attract kids, not the toys. Yes, some of the toys are a real draw; I can’t deny that. But don’t tell me that kids will suddenly start eating salads if there’s no toy in the Happy Meal.
August 16th, 2010 04:24
I have to agree with you. All this legislation regarding what we can and can’t eat, what can be on the shelves and what can’t has gone a bit far. I can understand the requirement of putting ingredients on a label so we know what we are getting into, but restricting food groups and foods in general is none of the governments business.
August 17th, 2010 04:04
When I took my eldest son to the nutritionist I was surprised that she didn’t talk to me but made him responsible for what he put into his mouth. Something that has lasted long after it’s my job to prepare his meals.
Children can be taught to make the right choices (by example!) and why not burgers and fries from time to time as a treat?