Despite marketing efforts to promote healthy fast-food meals for children, a new study shows that America’s top chains are failing to provide nutritional choices for kids. (click images to enlarge)
The Center for Science and Public Interest, a national watchdog group, said Monday that children’s meals at the nation’s top fast-food chains — McDonald’s, KFC, Irvine-based Taco Bell, Jack in the Box and Chick-fil-A — are loaded with calories.
“Parents want to feed their children healthy meals but America’s chain restaurants are setting parents up to fail,” Margo G. Wootan, nutrition policy director at CSPI stated.
The watchdog group looked at 1,474 possible meal choices for children at 13 chains. Of those choices, 93 percent exceeded 430 calories — an amount that is one-third of the daily intake the Institute of Medicine recommends for children ages 4 to 8
For example, the report said all three kids’ meal choices offered at Taco Bell, America’s largest Mexican fast-food chain, exceeded 430 calories. KFC was the worst offender. The study said 100 percent, or 440 possible kids’ meal combinations served at KFC, exceeded 430 calories. Subway, the report found, offered the best kids’ options.
The key issue: most chain restaurants limit meals to artery-clogging foods such as fried chicken, burgers and French fries. Though some chains like McDonald’s and Burger King offer healthier substitutes, the CSPI report said parents “have to navigate a minefield” of menu information to find these alternate options.
Chick-fil-A did not return requests for comment on the report.
KFC disputed the watchdog report, saying some configurations include a biscuit which is not a part of any kids’ meal options.
“KFC is proud to offer a variety of Kids Meals for those looking for lower calorie, lower fat options. The KFC information in the report is inaccurate, as KFC offers a number of Kids’ Meal options well below 430 calories.”
McDonald’s said its latest advertising campaigns do focus on promoting healthy dietary choices for children, including a 365-calorie chicken meal.
“McDonald’s is committed to children’s well-being,”Neil Golden, Chief Marketing O
fficer said in a statement.
Taco Bell said “all tacos and burritos” served at the chain, whether geared for adults or kids, can be ordered Fresco. The Fresco menu offers lower calorie and lower fat options.
CSPI suggested restaurants and fast-food chains need to do more , including makiing healthy options such as apple slices and low-fat milk the “default” choice in kids’ meals.
The report gave kudos to Disneyland and Disney World theme parks for making healthy side dishes the default option in its kids meals — a new policy.
“Disney is having great success with this approach in its theme parks,” the report stated.
- Obesity on the Kids’ Menus at Top Chains (link to full report)
- Burger King offers kids menu makeover
“Despite marketing efforts to promote healthy fast-food meals for children, a new study shows that America’s top chains are failing to provide nutritional choices for kids.”
I didn’t realize they were in the business of providing nutritional choices. Last I checked they weren’t obligated to sell health food and I wasn’t obligated to go there.
Did we really need a study for this? I’m pretty sure this falls under common sense. I suppose the silver lining is that they didn’t spend tax payer money to arrive at their earth shattering conclusion. If that’s how they want to spend their money then I guess that’s their choice.
Despite Marketing Efforts to Promote Healthy Fast-food Meals for Children, a New Study Shows That America’s Top Chains are Failing To Provide Nutritional Choices for Kids.
Yeah McDonalds. Burger KIng. Wendys, KFC, Chick-Fil-A Are Unhealthy-(Honestly I Perfer Subway)-But Its Not Like Kids Eat Happy Meals Every Day.
If Parents are So Concerned About Their Kids Health Then Don’t Get Fast Food. Don’t Blame These Restraunt Chains.
They Ask You
“Do You Want Fries and a Soda With Your Kids Meal.
Or Milk and Apples”
and Of Course Parents Choose The Fries and a Soda..
and They Wonder Why Little Billys Always Exhauted.
“Is He Eating The Box Of Twinkies I Packed In His Lunch??”
Parents:If You Don’t Like Fast Food Don’t Buy It
If you want fast food that’s healthy, cook something quickly at home. The notion that anything is remotely healthy at McDonalds or otherwise is a total joke.
Like everyone else commenting here, I think this story is ridiculous. That silly woman from CSPI who says “Fast food joints are setting parents up to fail” would be hilarious if she weren’t being serious.
These types of liberal social engineers should crawl back under the rock they came from. McDonalds has NEVER served healthy food, and why should it? It’s a private business selling a product that people want to buy!
By the way, Miceage.com is reporting that McDonalds is being dumped as a park sponsor by Disneyland. All three McDonalds locations inside Disneyland and Calfifornia Adventure are closing the day after Labor Day, according to Miceage.
It’s not the responsibility of restaurants to provide healthy food. If it’s not healthy, don’t eat there. Not everyone is as dumb as newspaper writers or politicians think they are.
Since seeing your very ugly t.v. commercial with man bending his buttocks in another’s face won’t be eating at jack in the box any more my grandkids even said the ad was dirty and if they did anything like that they would be punish so (Jack) they think you should be punish the only way to let you know our feelings is no longer be customers and telling others about your nasty ad.