As many of you may know, McDonald’s Corporation is currently on top of the fast food industry to be blamed for severe health issues. Recently, reports show that child obesity levels have risen due to fast food restaurant’s excessive marketing of junk food to young children. To avoid potential law suits, McDonald’s took action and responded by sending out a press release to announce a “healthier” revision of the Happy Meal.
Although it may seem like McDonald’s is finally taking a health-conscious approach, it is disappointing to point out that this is simply a marketing strategy to improve the Happy Meal sales.
Numerous minor changes in the “Healthier” Happy Meal plan includes a quarter cup or half serving of produce (apples) , a choice of low-fat milk or soda, and a reduction of sodium by 15%. Instead of the regular 2.1 ounce fries, the new meal plan introduces the extra-small sized fries containing 1.1 ounce of fries. While the main course still remains between chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, or hamburgers, the addition of 3 to 4 apple slices has received huge press. Once again, as the successful business corporation it is, McDonald’s attempt to promote child health is only another marketing method to increase sales.