McDonald’s faces lawsuit for luring kids with Happy Meal toys

Earlier in June, the company was asked by a Washington based advocacy group to stop providing toys with children meals containing high levels of sugar, calories, fat and salt.

"McDonald's offerings consist mostly of fatty meat, fatty cheese, French fries, white flour, and sugar — a narrow combination of foods that promotes weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease — and may lead to a lifetime of poor diets," Michael Jacobson, the group's executive director, said in a news release.

On the other hand, McDonald's has defended their Happy Meals, saying that the food in these meals is of excellent quality and in reduced quantity which is safe for kids.

The suit, filed at the San Francisco Superior Court, seeks class action status on the behalf of Monica Parham, a mother of two children, who states that the company is using toys as an attractive bait to spoil her kids.

The lawsuit does not demand any monetary damages.

"The lawsuit is about the change, not the money," CSPI litigation director Stephen Gardner said.

Food of appropriate quantity
On the other hand, McDonald's has defended their Happy Meals, saying that the food in these meals is of excellent quality and in reduced quantity which is safe for kids.

The company gives parents the option to choose apple slices instead of French fries and milk instead of soda.

"We are proud of our Happy Meals and intend to vigorously defend our brand, our reputation and our food," McDonald's spokeswoman Bridget Coffing said Wednesday.

"We listen to our customers, and parents consistently tell us they approve of our Happy Meals," Coffing said. "We are confident that parents understand and appreciate that Happy Meals are a fun treat, with quality, right-sized food choices for their children that can fit into a balanced diet."

Happy Meals
Happy Meals were introduced by McDonald's in the United States in 1979.

The company has been constantly working towards introducing new themes like Shrek and Ty Beanie Babies.

Happy Meals have McDonald's one of the world's largest toy distributors.

However, it has lately come under criticism from public health officials, parents and lawmakers for inducing kids into eating junk which is harmful for them.