The discovery of a plastic toy buried underneath French fries
and chicken nuggets in a warm cardboard box could soon be a thing
of the past in Santa Clara County. In the name of keeping children
healthy and stifling the obesity epidemic, Santa Clara County
Supervisor Ken Yeager is championing the ban of toys in fast-food
chain children’s meals.
The discovery of a plastic toy buried underneath French fries and chicken nuggets in a warm cardboard box could soon be a thing of the past in Santa Clara County. In the name of keeping children healthy and stifling the obesity epidemic, Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager is championing the ban of toys in fast-food chain children’s meals.
On Tuesday morning, the board of supervisors will vote on whether or not to pass the ordinance, which will require a second reading May 11 and then become law 30 days later. At noon, Yeager – who represents Campbell, Santa Clara and west San Jose – will formally announce the result of the vote to cut the cute from fat-heavy options.
“Toys and other incentives are too often used to lure children to kids’ meals that are high in fat, sugar and calories,” a statement released by Yeager noted. He said the ordinance is an effort to support parents to choose more nutritious options by designating toy giveaways as a part of healthier meals and further to encourage parents to cook at home instead of eating out.
A four-piece chicken nugget happy meal at McDonald’s with a small order of French fries and a 12-ounce Sprite has 520 calories, 23 grams of fat and 590 milligrams of sodium. The meal comprises about half of the recommended daily intake for a child between 9 and 12 years of age.
If the law passes, it will become the first ban of toys at fast-food restaurants in the nation.
Check back on www.gilroydispatch.com Tuesday afternoon for an update on the vote.
