Under a veto proof vote of 8 to 3, San Francisco bans fast food restaurants from putting toys in children’s meals. The law comes in effect December 1, 2011. The ban only extends to children’s meals that have over 600 calories and do not contain fruits and vegetables. So, if you purchase a health conscience children’s meal than a toy will be allowed. Before you sweep this under the rug as a one city fluke, be aware that many want to see this go nationwide.
“McDonald’s use of toys undercuts parental authority and exploits young children’s developmental immaturity — all this to induce children to prefer foods that may harm their health. It’s a creepy and predatory practice that warrants an injunction,” says CSPI litigation director Stephen Gardner.
This has caused many heads to roll saying the state has no right to legislate health or parental choices. Many feel this is a step for more government control under a ruse of taking away an American institution. Yet, others feel this American institution needs to be rethought as obesity has tripled in the past decade among children. The CDC reports that 80% of overweight children will become obese as adults. Another study found that children who were obese before the age of 8 will suffer more severe obesity as adults.
The author of Die Fat or Get Tough; 101 Differences in Thinking Between Fat People and Fit People, Steve Siebold makes the following points:
*The board of supervisors had no right to pass this ordinance.
*McDonalds and Happy Meal Toys are an American institution that should be left alone.
*American’s are free to make their own choices when it comes to what they eat. If they want to eat Happy Meals, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or whatever, the fundamental rights of living in this country allow people to make their own choices.
*It’s not the restaurants, food manufacturers, portion sizes or anything else that are making Americans fat. If you’re fat it’s your own fault.
As a parent I am insulted by the thought that my power is undermined by a plastic toy. I am the one who controls where we eat and what we eat. I am hardly swayed by a toy when it comes to where I decide to feed my family. Most families eat at fast food restaurants out of convenience not because their kids need one more toy.
As an American I am appalled that the government would take this step. This tramples on the rights of the business and the parents. While, I do not think a child should eat burgers and French fries on a regular basis and I think childhood obesity needs to be addressed, I do not believe it can be legislated in this manner.
Lastly, I do not see placing a ban on a small plastic toy having an impact on childhood obesity. While eating fast food is a large contributor to childhood obesity, it is not the only factor. We cannot continue to have laws based on the government believing its citizens are unable to make decisions. This line of thinking will be a springboard to a bigger government and more intrusive laws that limit parental power. Who knows, in the end it may be the fast food chains thanking the government as they will make a profit from all those parents buying their regular fast food fare and paying extra for the toy.
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