By Ivan Pereira
City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said he is happier now that one of America’s largest fast food chains has taken his considerations into account and changed its kids’ menu to be healthier.
Comrie was joined by McDonald’s representatives at a branch in Cambria Heights Sept. 14 to introduce the new and improved Happy Meal that will be offered to children. The councilman introduced a bill in City Hall that would penalize restaurants that give toys with meals that have high calorie and sodium counts as a way to fight childhood obesity.
“Obesity is a national epidemic, particularly among youth, and today McDonald’s has demonstrated good corporate citizenship by acknowledging the need for healthier options in their menu,” he said in a statement.
The Happy Meal now includes a produce or low-fat dairy option, and by the end of next year the chain will provide apples in all of its kids’ menu options. A small portion of French fries will be included in the Happy Meals as well.
The company pledged to reduce sodium throughout its entire menu by 20 percent over the next four years and reduce added sugars, saturated fat and calories by 2020.
A McDonald’s representative said the meal changes would meet the Council of Better Business Bureaus’ Food Pledge. In addition to the food changes, the company will be promoting healthier lifestyles with new TV and Internet ads that are geared toward youngsters.
Comrie said the changes will go a long way and benefit both McDonald’s and the community, which does not have that many mom-and-pop restaurants to choose from.
“I believe that healthier meals for our children will be better for our youth and also better for McDonald’s’ sales margin,” he said.
Introduction 530, which was introduced by Comrie in April, is still being reviewed in the Council and Comrie has stressed that he would like to see it become a reality. A similar measure was passed in San Francisco.
“I firmly believed such action would compel the fast food industry to review their marketing practices towards children and realize that there is a strong, vibrant market for parents and caretakers who want to provide children with a healthy and nutritious meal,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
