McDonald's bowing to 'Supersize' critics
By Liu Jie (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-09-29 06:00

Calcium-enriched berry yoghurt and bottled water will be introduced at McDonald's on Saturday, a move the fast-food behemoth says will allow its customers to make healthier choices.

And according to Gary Rosen, vice-president and chief marketing officer of McDonald's China, his company will also provide easy-to-understand nutritional information on the content of all menu items. McDonalds say they will promote yoghurt as a side-dish option for its Filet-o-Fish and Spicy Chicken Wings Happy Meals packages specifically aimed at children with bottled water offered as a drink option, alongside orange juice and milk.

Booklets available in every restaurant will offer details on the number of calories and amount of protein, fat, calcium and iron in each menu item.

"As an industry leader, we understand the need by all of our customers to make informed choices when it comes to the food they eat," Rosen said.

Insiders said the moves are a response to criticisms levelled against the conglomerate.

US film, "Supersize Me," which followed the declining health of a man who attempted to eat nothing but McDonald's for a month, stirred up concerns of the threat fast food could pose to people's health.

Last month, McDonald's chips were criticized for possibly containing a cancer-causing ingredient. Company officials reacted by saying the criticisms were not based on thorough scientific research.

Professor Cai Meiqin, director of the Department of Nutrition at the Shanghai Jiaotong University's Medical Institute, says a balanced diet is vital for people's health.

(China Daily 09/29/2005 page2)

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