Suing McDonald's over Happy Meals is 41-year old Monet Parham. She has two small children that she says ask for Happy Meals 'just for the toys'. She claims McDonald's uses these toys to persuade children to eat the Happy Meals and that they are messing with her children's heads.
Being Sued Over Happy Meal Toys
In San Francisco Wednesday morning, December 15, 2010, Parham filed a lawsuit with advocates from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) wanting approval from the court to proceed with the lawsuit. Director of CSPI, Michael Jacobson, said it was “illegal and deceptive” in many states. Jacobson also claims the food industry needs not to use these types of techniques when marketing to children.
According to CNN.com, over $520 million was spent by the fast food industry on marketing, advertising, and toys for children's meals in 2006 while over $350 million out of that money was used on the toys themselves.
Comments are littering the internet about the lawsuit. One person stated, “What an egregious lawsuit. Regardless of what you think of happy meals, toys, or anything else. The central issue here is that this woman wants the government to be the bad guy for her, so she never has to say 'no' to her children. I am stunned by the degree of whining.” While some people don't agree with the McDonald's way of marketing they don't stand behind this lawsuit either. One individual commented, “I'm fairly sure that as soon as this case goes to court, a judge will throw it out.”
McDonald's Happy Meal Toys
McDonald's plans to defend itself stating that the Happy Meals offer proper food portions with quality making them a fun treat for children including the toys offered. Steve Gardner, a director from CSPI, says that when toys are marketed directly to young children it makes them vulnerable and there are several consumer protection laws that are being violated.
The CSPI has been involved in other cases similar to this one. One such case involved Kentucky Fried Chicken when the franchise fried its chicken in partially hydrogenated oil. The CSPI dropped the suit when KFC began phasing out the fattening oil. Another such case involved a cereal company, Kellogg. The CSPI and Kellogg reached a settlement agreement after the CSPI claimed the cereal was loaded with sugar and they were selling it to children.
Sources:
CNN.com, “Woman sues McDonald's over Happy Meals” (accessed December 16, 2010).
The Telegraph, “US Woman sues McDonald's over Happy Meals” (accessed December 16, 2010).
WTNH.com, “Woman sues McDonald's over Happy Meals” (accessed December 16, 2010).
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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