In a measure that was first introduced in Oct and voted on today, the so-called “Happy Meal ban” has been passed. This San Francisco measure limits which meals can include a free toy. Santa Clara County has enacted a similar Happy Meal Ban, despite heavy lobbying of several restaurant associations.
Ban on Happy Meals because of the fat that is excessive
The nutrition content of a meal is what the San Francisco's board of supervisors were thinking about Tues when passing the "Happy Meal Ban". Restaurants are banned from offering toys in certain meals. In order to offer a toy, a meal must have 600 calories or fewer total, such as the drink. Less than 35 percent of the calories within the meal can come from fat, as well. A half cup of vegetables are required in the meal also. Restaurants will not be able to give a free toy to kids unless the meal is healthy. That is the only way to do it.
Meals are not banned with the Happy Meal Ban
Though the Healthy Meal Incentive legislation is being called the “Happy Meal Ban,” that is a misnomer. There is just one thing that is involved in the Healthy Meal Incentive. Meals with high-fat and high sugar can’t have a toy offered with them. The sides of the debate are really clear. The line is seen by many. The toy being removed from the meal is a bad thing for business some say. It makes consumer choice impossible. The legislation being enforced is something others don't like. This is because they think the better way to do it would be to teach parents about having healthier meals. Either way, the city legislation passed with a veto-proof majority.
Trend with the Healthy Meal Incentive Act
The Healthy Meal Incentive legislation is not the first legislation to try to control what cities eat. NY City made a Ban in 2006. This made it so restaurants could not have any trans-fats. After that ban had been passed, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Arby’s, Applebee’s, Cheesecake Factory and thousands of other restaurants quit using trans fats. Crisco shortening was redone also. Trans-fats are no longer in it. Is the Healthy Meal Incentive Act an additional positive step in limiting the food we eat, or do you think these bans should themselves be banned?
Data from
BanTransFats.com
bantransfats.com/transfatnews.html
LA Times
articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/28/business/la-fi-happy-meals-20100428
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