Does the Ban on Happy Meal Toys Make a Difference?

There is no denying the fact that child obesity rates are on the rise throughout the United States, but what can be done to fight it?  Well, San Francisco is certainly taking a unique approach to this problem by banning the offering of toys with any meal that does not meet certain nutritional guidelines. 

In other words, you can still enjoy that cheeseburger Happy Meal, but unless you substitute your fries for fruit slices, it may not be a very happy meal for children hoping to get a cool toy with their fatty calories.

The McDonalds Happy Meal ban is certainly unique, and nobody can predict how it will affect fast food chains or consumers until it takes effect and the first reports are in.  Essentially, however, any meal that offers less than 600 calories or that has less than 35% of calories coming from fat will be the only meals allowed to include toys for children.  The move is hoped to encourage children to make better dietary choices by encouraging them to eat healthy in order to receive a toy.  The questions is whether or not parents will simply buy the healthier Happy Meal and shell out extra money for additional fries or perhaps forgo the toy altogether.

The included toys have long been the biggest draw to the McDonalds Happy Meal and similar kids choices.  The effects of this ban will certainly draw the eyes of many, from happy advocates among the Moms to those outraged by the decision.  As to whether or not the ban will lead to less fast food consumption by kids, we will just have to wait and see, but for now the Happy Meal is looking a little less happy, at least in San Francisco.