According to reports, McDonald’s was accused of unfairly using toys to lure children into its restaurants. The proposed class-action lawsuit in a California state court sought to stop the company from using free toys to promote its Happy Meals in California.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science, has responded to the decision.
CSPI executive director, Michael Jacobson, said: “McDonald’s must stop exploiting children at some point. Using toys, of all things, to lure young children to fast-food meals is not responsible corporate behaviour. It’s a predatory practice that undermines parents, causes rifts in families, and harms kids’ health.
“In time, the practice of using toys to market junk food will seem as inappropriate and anachronistic as lead paint, child labour, and asbestos. Resolving this question will not hinge on whether the plaintiff in this lawsuit suffered a monetary loss in this case, though we maintain she did.
“We’re studying the judge’s decision and will discuss with the plaintiff whether to appeal. We will continue to urge all branches of government, including the courts, to stand up for parents and protect children from unscrupulous marketing techniques.”
Source: Reuters/CSPI
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