Farming & Food

McDonald’s taking cheeseburgers off US Happy Meal menus

Fast food chain attempts to reduce calories in children’s meal after criticism linking it to obesity

All Happy Meals advertised on US menu boards will be 600 calories or less by June, McDonald’s said in a statement. Photograph: Kentaro Takahashi/Bloomberg

Thu Feb 15 2018 - 20:43

McDonald’s is removing cheeseburgers from its Happy Meal menus as the fast food giant seeks to shed its junk food image amid a clamour for healthier living.

All Happy Meals advertised on US menu boards will be 600 calories or less by June, McDonald’s said in a statement on Thursday. While the classic cheeseburger will still be available if a customer requests it, the listed entree choice will be a hamburger or a box of chicken nuggets.

"We hope these actions will bring more choices to consumers and uniquely benefit millions of families, which are important steps as we build a better McDonald's," chief executive Steve Easterbrook said in the statement.

With the child obesity rate in the US almost tripling since the 1970s, McDonald’s is seeking healthier ingredients while trying to boost its image with more environmentally friendly packaging.

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As part of its Happy Meal overhaul, McDonald’s is cutting the sugar content of chocolate milk and adding bottled water to the menu. By the end of 2022, McDonald’s goal is that at least 50 per cent or more of the Happy Meals listed on menus in 120 markets will be 600 calories or less. – Bloomberg

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