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Source: ONE News -
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The iconic toy that has accompanied the McDonald's Happy Meal for decades is at the forefront of a legal vendetta by an American organisation, who say it unfairly lures children to eat unhealthy meals.
The consumer group claims the restaurant uses toys as a marketing ploy, and is threatening to sue the fast food giant for "unfairly and deceptively" marketing to children.
New Zealand anti-obesity campaigner Robyn Toothmath has welcomed the idea, saying proof exists that children are drawn to meals which come with a toy.
"We've had good evidence of this over the years ... very successful toys have increased the sales of McDonald's happy meals - many fold - over the weeks that these toys have been on sale.
"I'm surprised (the threat of legal action) hasn't happened an awful lot sooner," she says.
However, McDonald's New Zealand says Happy Meals are "promoted as a treat ... and the toy has been part of that for more than 30 years".
It further says the company "advertises toys responsibly and carefully".
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentdancingqueen said on 2010-06-24 @ 04:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
Removing a toy, is not going to stop obesity in children.What next. It has been around for 30 years, for goodness sake.
mitchellkemp said on 2010-06-23 @ 23:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
Happy Meals are promoted as a treat for children, a TREAT not an everday dinner. Sure, there are some parents who treat their children too much. But you got to remember there is ALWAYS healthier options in a McDonald's happy meal like a seared snack wrap happy meal with a fruit bag (with apple slices) instead of fries and a chocolate milk, bottle of water or blackcurrent juice. And a toy makes the child happy, why would you want to take that away? And yes, they can be purchased seperately. :)
burts1 said on 2010-06-23 @ 22:55 NZDT: Report abusive post
Kids don't buy McDonalds!! Their parents do!! So now kids have total control over their parents now? Now and then McDonalds is fine. I have been there tones of times and i'm as slim as anything. What a Joke! I love you McDonalds
Al3xTurn3r said on 2010-06-23 @ 19:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
How many years has McDonald's been giving out the toys? Just because there's an obesity crisis is that a reason to point the finger at McDonald's or is it just bad decisions by parents?