Should McDonald's stop marketing to kids?
A group of health advocates from around the country have embarked on a campaign to stop Ronald McDonald from making your kids fat.
The group of 550 people have taken out full-page ads challenging McDonald's to stop marketing junk food to kids. They've also written a letter to the corporation. Check out here who signed on in Maryland.
The letter comes as First Lady Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity a major part of her mission.
Public health groups for years have criticized food companies for marketing sugary snacks and other unhealthy foods to kids using cartoon characters, free toys and other methods.
In recent months, the federal government has stepped up its efforts to address the issue. The Federal Trade Commission recently recommended new guidelines on marketing unhealthy food to kids.
McDonald's has pledged in the past to voluntarily reduce kid's exposure to commercials and other marketing techniques. They've also started offering healthy options such as milk and apples.
But some health advocates claim the number of McDonald's ads has actually increased.
McDonald's shareholders today will vote on a resolution to look at what impact the fast food chain has on people's health.
The issue brings up a debate that has become very common around the issue of obesity. Should companies be responsible for the health of children, or is it a personal responsibility? Maybe parents shouldn't take their kids to McDonald's? But then it may be hard to resist that cute little face begging for that Happy Meal. And what about poor neighborhoods where there are few other dining options?
What do you guys think?
Comments
McDonald's show stop selling food period. Their food is toxic. Anytime their food doesn't mildew, grow bacteria or decentigrade after 6 years, what is it doing in the body. But they are not alone, the meats on the shelf and the processed food are all dangerous long term to the body . They cause the increase in all the diseases seen today. Then the medical/pharma just add insult to injury. We have to get back to nature. Moringa Oleifera is the answer. The National Institute of Health agrees, do we even listen to the highest health organization in this country? Now it is being produced in its all natural state. If you want to live, try it free for 30 days. You'll feel the difference.
Posted by: Cynthia Williams | May 19, 2011 1:07 PM
This sounds like a wonderful idea. Kudos to organization and the 550 health professionals standing up to protect kids health!
Posted by: Sarah | May 19, 2011 5:56 PM
While no advocate for the consumption of "junk food" by children, I question the presumptions that parents are incapable of making healthy eating decisions for their children and incapable of refusing requests for "junk food." If parents feel that McDonalds' pervasive advertising makes it difficult for them to be firm, perhaps they should consider turning off the television so that their children's exposure is limited. Moreover, when I last checked, America was all about choice. McDonald's is a legal corporation that abides by the (excessive) laws, rules, and regulations that constrict most corporations in this country. We the parents are the primary purchasers and, as such, have choice.
/ great points Margaret. There are plenty of kids who don't eat McDonald's. Andrea
Posted by: Margaret Ondov | May 20, 2011 11:42 AM