Happy Meals here to stay: McDonald's

[preciousjeni]

The Center for Science in the Public Interest last month threatened a lawsuit against the fast-food giant to get it to dump the toys that accompany Happy Meals.

Forget it, McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner said, defending Happy Meals in the written response sent to the Washington, D.C.-based group.

"Internet sites, blogs and network surveys suggest that public opinion is running overwhelmingly against your premise," Skinner wrote. "Our customer websites and phone lines at McDonald's are also busy, with more than nine out of 10 customers disagreeing with your agenda."

The strong public response is uncommon for the company, whose dominance in the fast-food industry makes its a target of a range of activist groups.

"CSPI is wrong in its assertions, and frivolous in its legal threats," Skinner said, calling the group's claims "over-the-top rhetoric."

Seeking to turn the tables on the group, Skinner called for an apology.

Link: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2...appy08.article

What are the toys if not marketing ploys for a large population of people who like toys (i.e. kids)? There's no question there. However, should the company stop marketing Happy Meals to the kids who eat them? No. Should parents stop buying their kids Happy Meals. Sure. I call foul on both sides.