San Francisco Bans Happy Meals - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-02-2010, 09:00 PM

The city's board of supervisors votes to forbid restaurants from giving away toys with meals that have high levels of calories, sugar and fat.

Link

The San Francisco board of supervisors voted by veto-proof margin to forbid restaurants from offering a free toy with meals that contain more than set levels of calories, sugar and fat. (Karen Bleir / AFP / Getty Images)

San Francisco's board of supervisors has voted, by a veto-proof margin, to ban most of McDonald's Happy Meals as they are now served in the restaurants.

The measure will make San Francisco the first major city in the country to forbid restaurants from offering a free toy with meals that contain more than set levels of calories, sugar and fat.

The ordinance would also require restaurants to provide fruits and vegetables with all meals for children that come with toys.

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"We're part of a movement that is moving forward an agenda of food justice," said Supervisor Eric Mar, who sponsored the measure. "From San Francisco to New York City, the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country is making our kids sick, particularly kids from low income neighborhoods, at an alarming rate. It's a survival issue and a day-to-day issue."

Just after the vote, McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud said, "We are extremely disappointed with today's decision. It's not what our customers want, nor is it something they asked for."

The ban, already enacted in a similar measure by Santa Clara County, was opposed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who was vying to be lieutenant governor in Tuesday's election. But because the measure was passed by eight votes — one more than needed to override a veto — his opposition doesn't matter unless one of the supervisors changes his or her mind after the promised veto.

Under the ordinance, scheduled to take effect in December 2011, restaurants may include a toy with a meal if the food and drink combined contain fewer than 600 calories, and if less than 35% of the calories come from fat.

Over the last few weeks, the proposed ban caused a stir online and on cable television, with supporters arguing that it would help protect children from obesity, and opponents seeing it as the latest example of the nanny state gone wild.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty, whose swing vote provided the veto-proof majority, said critics should not dismiss the legislation as a nutty effort by San Franciscans. "I do believe the industry is going to take note of this. I don't care how much they say, 'It's San Francisco, they're wacked out there.' "

Proud, the McDonald's spokeswoman, said the city was out of step with the mainstream on the issue.

"Public opinion continues to be overwhelmingly against this misguided legislation," she said. "Parents tell us it's their right and responsibility — not the government's — to make their own decisions and to choose what's right for their children."

McDonald's is not the only fast-food chain to offer toys with children's meals, but because it is so prominent the company has become a key face of opposition to the ban.

Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Assn., bemoaned the ordinance's passage and contrasted it with San Franciscans' exuberant feelings after the Giants won the world series on Monday night.

"One day you're world champions, and the next day, no toys for you," Conway said.

He said the industry could respond in a number of ways to the ordinance. Some might continue to include toys but charge separately for them. Others might reformulate their meals so that they comply with the law. Restaurants might also simply stop offering children's meals altogether, he said.

Proud said the company does offer more healthful menu options, including apple slices that can be ordered with kids' meals instead of French fries.

The vote was held the same day that McDonald's reintroduced nationwide its McRib sandwich, a pressed pork patty that gets half its calories from fat and has a cult-like legion of fans.

Mar said it would lead the fast-food giant and other restaurants to provide more healthful food for kids. The ban, he said, was crucial to the fight against childhood obesity and the illnesses that go along with it, including diabetes and the risk of heart problems and stroke. The cost of fighting those diseases, he said, will be in the billions.

"It's astronomical how much it's going to cost if we don't address it," Mar said. "It's incredible the crisis that's going to hit us."

old grouch · 11-03-2010, 11:42 AM

What are they going to ban next??? Santa Claus???

angiefan · 11-03-2010, 11:54 AM

This is ridicules.Next thing you know the Easter bunny will be outlawed.

dlemond · 11-03-2010, 12:10 PM

Apparently there are no real issues or problems to be tackled in San Francisco or the United States.

I am relieved.

Proceed with the petty causes.

OH Nuts! · 11-03-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlemond

Apparently there are no real issues or problems to be tackled in San Francisco or the United States.

I am relieved.

Proceed with the petty causes.

Trying to legislate good nutritional eating sounds like a poor way to go to me too. My concern with these meals is more that the toys may be a choking hazard.

BUT I do think that places like McD's would be smart to start introducing a second option - a more healthier version of their "happy meals" - it might have to cost more to a customer but perhaps there may be enough of a market for it. Creating healthier versions of fast food standards can be done - I know of many Weight Watchers/similar products that taste close to the real deal but are much lower in calories, carbs, sodium etc.)

Ultimately, people should have the choice. If someone wants to eat, or let their kids eat, food that is high in calories, carbs, sodium, fat etc. they should have the right to make that choice - even though I think that choice is a BAD one.

(It really is a shame so many folks seem to be fogetting that healthy alternatives like carrot sticks, apple, bananas, peanut butter, high fiber breads are quite tasty - and good for you.)

MickeyMac · 11-04-2010, 05:59 PM

Thats plain dumb

Why dont they ban ice cream while their at it.

Mr. Television · 11-04-2010, 07:18 PM

I'm so glad I don't live in SF.

catlover79 · 11-04-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

I'm so glad I don't live in SF.

That makes two of us!!

MrCleveland · 11-04-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

That makes two of us!!

Make it three...

If I want a San Francisco experience...I'll just walk a few blocks to Lakewood (They have the 2nd highest Gay/Bi Population next to the Golden Gate City)!

Next, SF won't have a McDonald's in their city!

Marvo301 · 11-04-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

I'm so glad I don't live in SF.

Make it four!

PlayOn · 11-05-2010, 10:01 AM

5 here. Think about all the people that are underweight and people that need to stay thick like football players and wrestlers. Theirs 2 sides to every story. Plus, just because it's the only thing their, doesn't mean kids will eat it. Kids hate some veggies. End of story.

robyrob · 11-05-2010, 12:11 PM

there IS a simple solution; just drop a rutabaga into every Happy Meal - Problem Solved.

old grouch · 11-05-2010, 12:47 PM

Ew!!! Not rutabagas!!!

Sterling Holobyte · 11-05-2010, 01:44 PM

Once again, personal responsibility. Where is it and why don't liberals want people to practice it?

Think about it.

OH Nuts! · 11-05-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayOn

5 here. Think about all the people that are underweight and people that need to stay thick like football players and wrestlers. Theirs 2 sides to every story. Plus, just because it's the only thing their, doesn't mean kids will eat it. Kids hate some veggies. End of story.

I totally agree there are two sides to every story. Some people have great metabolisms, not prone to diabetes, high blood pressure etc.

And this kind of food is tasty - & is OK if eaten on occassion by most. But for many, usually middle aged folks like me, its not a GOOD choice. But I'm no Carrie Nation - just like anything else in life, go in with your eyes open and as long as you make an informed choice.

But for me, and this is MY FLAW, I don't practice moderation in places like this so I stay away. I know from my own experience, when you eat unprocessed, wholesome foods it takes a long time to reach 1,000 calories. I eat quite a bit during the day and I'm usually right up to 1,000 cals at the beg. of dinner.
A McD sandwhich, french fries, and reg soft drink pretty much clocks in around 1,000 cals - and thats just one meal.

As for SF in general, imo its a great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there (prone to earthquakes and a yuccky job market even before all of this. The legislation doesn't add to the allure of SF either as many of you have pointed out)

11-02-2010, 09:00 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,471	San Francisco Bans Happy Meals The city's board of supervisors votes to forbid restaurants from giving away toys with meals that have high levels of calories, sugar and fat. Link The San Francisco board of supervisors voted by veto-proof margin to forbid restaurants from offering a free toy with meals that contain more than set levels of calories, sugar and fat. (Karen Bleir / AFP / Getty Images) San Francisco's board of supervisors has voted, by a veto-proof margin, to ban most of McDonald's Happy Meals as they are now served in the restaurants. The measure will make San Francisco the first major city in the country to forbid restaurants from offering a free toy with meals that contain more than set levels of calories, sugar and fat. The ordinance would also require restaurants to provide fruits and vegetables with all meals for children that come with toys. Get a daily snapshot of market numbers and trends, delivered right to your mobile phone. Text BUSINESS to 52669. "We're part of a movement that is moving forward an agenda of food justice," said Supervisor Eric Mar, who sponsored the measure. "From San Francisco to New York City, the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country is making our kids sick, particularly kids from low income neighborhoods, at an alarming rate. It's a survival issue and a day-to-day issue." Just after the vote, McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud said, "We are extremely disappointed with today's decision. It's not what our customers want, nor is it something they asked for." The ban, already enacted in a similar measure by Santa Clara County, was opposed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who was vying to be lieutenant governor in Tuesday's election. But because the measure was passed by eight votes — one more than needed to override a veto — his opposition doesn't matter unless one of the supervisors changes his or her mind after the promised veto. Under the ordinance, scheduled to take effect in December 2011, restaurants may include a toy with a meal if the food and drink combined contain fewer than 600 calories, and if less than 35% of the calories come from fat. Over the last few weeks, the proposed ban caused a stir online and on cable television, with supporters arguing that it would help protect children from obesity, and opponents seeing it as the latest example of the nanny state gone wild. Supervisor Bevan Dufty, whose swing vote provided the veto-proof majority, said critics should not dismiss the legislation as a nutty effort by San Franciscans. "I do believe the industry is going to take note of this. I don't care how much they say, 'It's San Francisco, they're wacked out there.' " Proud, the McDonald's spokeswoman, said the city was out of step with the mainstream on the issue. "Public opinion continues to be overwhelmingly against this misguided legislation," she said. "Parents tell us it's their right and responsibility — not the government's — to make their own decisions and to choose what's right for their children." McDonald's is not the only fast-food chain to offer toys with children's meals, but because it is so prominent the company has become a key face of opposition to the ban. Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Assn., bemoaned the ordinance's passage and contrasted it with San Franciscans' exuberant feelings after the Giants won the world series on Monday night. "One day you're world champions, and the next day, no toys for you," Conway said. He said the industry could respond in a number of ways to the ordinance. Some might continue to include toys but charge separately for them. Others might reformulate their meals so that they comply with the law. Restaurants might also simply stop offering children's meals altogether, he said. Proud said the company does offer more healthful menu options, including apple slices that can be ordered with kids' meals instead of French fries. The vote was held the same day that McDonald's reintroduced nationwide its McRib sandwich, a pressed pork patty that gets half its calories from fat and has a cult-like legion of fans. Mar said it would lead the fast-food giant and other restaurants to provide more healthful food for kids. The ban, he said, was crucial to the fight against childhood obesity and the illnesses that go along with it, including diabetes and the risk of heart problems and stroke. The cost of fighting those diseases, he said, will be in the billions. "It's astronomical how much it's going to cost if we don't address it," Mar said. "It's incredible the crisis that's going to hit us."
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11-03-2010, 11:54 AM	#3
angiefan happy labor day! Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 15, 2006 Location: grand blanc,michigan Posts: 618	San Francisco Bans Happy Meals This is ridicules.Next thing you know the Easter bunny will be outlawed.

11-04-2010, 07:18 PM	#7
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	I'm so glad I don't live in SF.
	__________________ Sonny

11-05-2010, 10:01 AM	#11
PlayOn ADHD: what I have not who I am Senior Member Join Date: Jun 17, 2006 Location: I'll never tell. :p Posts: 2,745	5 here. Think about all the people that are underweight and people that need to stay thick like football players and wrestlers. Theirs 2 sides to every story. Plus, just because it's the only thing their, doesn't mean kids will eat it. Kids hate some veggies. End of story.
	__________________ Have you heard the ? Jesus saves!!!

11-05-2010, 12:11 PM	#12
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,211	there IS a simple solution; just drop a rutabaga into every Happy Meal - Problem Solved.
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11-03-2010, 11:42 AM	#2
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	What are they going to ban next??? Santa Claus???

11-03-2010, 12:10 PM	#4
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	Apparently there are no real issues or problems to be tackled in San Francisco or the United States. I am relieved. Proceed with the petty causes.

11-04-2010, 05:59 PM	#6
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	Thats plain dumb Why dont they ban ice cream while their at it.

11-05-2010, 12:47 PM	#13
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	Ew!!! Not rutabagas!!!

11-05-2010, 01:44 PM	#14
Sterling Holobyte Harper House Senior Member Join Date: Nov 07, 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,896	Once again, personal responsibility. Where is it and why don't liberals want people to practice it? Think about it.
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