San Francisco May Limit Toys In Happy Meals

While America was voting Tuesday, so was the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, much to the chagrin of the city's children and a major fast-food retailer.

By an 8-3 vote, the supervisors banned toys from McDonald's Happy Meals, unless those meals contain less sodium, fat and sugar and include some fruit and vegetables. And no, French fries don't count as a vegetable.

The city's mayor, Gavin Newsom, opposed the measure and has promised to veto it. However, if that 8-3 margin holds up, the supervisors will be able to override it and put it into effect.

The vote was only a preliminary one, so it could be subject to change. However, if it passes on the final vote, to be taken next week, the restrictions could go into effect in December 2011.

Supervisor Eric Mar, who voted for the measure, calls it "a tremendous victory for the city's children. McDonalds took a different view.

Disappointed

"We are extremely disappointed with this decision. It's not what our customers want, nor is it something they asked for," McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud said in a statement. "Public opinion continues to be overwhelmingly against this misguided legislation. Parents tell us it's their right and responsibility, not the government's, to choose what's right for their children."

Proud defends the content of Happy Meals, saying they provide "wholesome food and toys of the highest quality.

Consumer and health group are generally supportive of the San Francisco vote. Interviewed on the radio program "Marketplace, Margo Wootan, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said adults might benefit as well.

"Our kids begging us to go to McDonald's to get the latest toy tied into their favorite movie means the whole family ends up eating at McDonald's, she said.

If the proposed ordinance becomes law, Happy Meals can contain a free toy or other prize only if the meal contains fewer than 600 calories, has less than 640 milligrams of sodium and if less than 35 percent of the calories are derived from fat.

In addition, the meals must give children a half-cup or more of fruit and three-quarters of a cup or more of vegetables.