News

San Francisco proposes toy ban in kids' meals

August 10, 2010

Kids in San Francisco may have to rely on their toys at home for mealtime entertainment. A proposal introduced Aug. 10 calls for a toy ban in kids' meals at quick-service restaurants if the food contains too much fat, sugar or salt.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the restrictions would affect all QSR establishments in the city that offer such meals, including McDonald's, Jack in the Box, and Burger King. It would not prohibit toy giveaways, however, if the meal adheres to strict nutritional guidelines.

Among the guidelines: no single item can contain more than 200 calories or 480 milligrams of sodium, and an entire kids' meal can contain no more than 600 calories.

Additionally, the proposal calls for kids' meals to include a serving of fruit and vegetables.

The debate surrounding toy marketing in kids' meals has been ongoing and, at times, tumultuous. Just last week, the Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhoold launched a letter-writing crusade demanding that McDonald's stop using Marvel comic book heroes in its Happy Meals.

In June, the Center for Science in Public Interest threatened a lawsuit over McDonald's use of toys in the meals.

Eric Mar, who is the chief sponsor of the San Francisco proposal, said the legislation would encourage restaurants to offer healthier options and therefore promote healthier eating habits and reduce health care costs. The California Restaurant Association is against the proposal, stating a ban unfairly punishes the industry.

From the story:

"The San Francisco Board of Supervisors seems to have an insatiable appetite for punishing the restaurant industry," said Daniel Conway, director of public affairs for the California Restaurant Association. "Toy bans are only proven to disappoint kids, frustrate parents and generate headlines for ambitious politicians."