McDonald's Adult Happy Meal with salad, water, pedometer and advice coming to all US outlets

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 15 Apr 2004 - 0:00 PDT


On May 6th all US 13,500 McDonald restaurants will be offering an Adult Happy Meal with salad, a pedometer (measures how many paces you take), bottled water and advice telling you to walk more. They are calling these types of meals their Go Active meals for adults.

McDonald's has been trying to create a healthy image after months of criticism from the public and health organisations. Many people in the USA feel that fast foods and fast food restaurants are partly to blame for the country's rocketing obesity problem.

McDonald's aim is to attract the health-conscious consumer.

As from June in the USA, McDonald's says it will offer healthier choices for children in their menus. Kids will be able to have apple slices and fruit juice rather than french fries and a fizzy drink.

Consumers will also be able to read pamphlets that tell them how to order McDonald's foods so that the calorie and fat content can be according to their wishes. Such tips as have your meal without the cheese or the bread will be included.

MacDonald's will be introducing low-fat dressing, more types of salads and nutritional information on their Happy Meals.

Tommy Thompson, US Health and Human Services Secretary, praised the company for taking such a pioneering move.

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