Mcdonald's Corp, the world's largest restaurant chain, will include choices such as fruits and vegetables in its children's Happy Meals, and plans to pay for public-service advertising promoting fitness and health.
Children's meal options might also include low-fat yogurt and fruit juices, new Chief Executive James Cantalupo said in a statement. McDonald's restaurants worldwide will tailor menus in each market to local tastes, working with nutrition experts to make the changes, he said.
McDonald's said it would form an advisory council on healthy lifestyles to work with the US Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization on programs to educate consumers on nutrition and fitness.
Cantalupo, who took over in January, is trying to improve the company's food to reverse declining sales as consumers seek healthier fare. Earlier this month, McDonald's announced plans for a new line of salads, with dressings by actor Paul Newman.
Several McDonald's markets already offer more-nutritious options, including Australia with toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches, raisins and orange juice. Restaurants in the United States already offer low-fat milk and no carbonated drinks.
(eastday.com March 28, 2003)
|