Legal news for California government attorneys. Toys in high-calorie meals will cease to exist, thanks to a new ordinance in Santa Clara County.
California government attorneys alerts- High-calorie meals from fast food restaurants will not have toys in the happy meals due to a Santa Clara County ordinance.
Santa Clara County, CA—A new ordinance in Santa Clara County is barring local restaurants from giving away toys in fast food kids’ meals that are high in calories, fat, salt and sugar. The ordinance was announced on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, which affects about a dozen fast food restaurants in the Silicon Valley unincorporated areas, as reported by CNN.
A 3-2 vote gave the new ban the green light, which will make fast food restaurants cease the use of toys as a means of promoting meals with more than 485 calories. A Santa Clara County supervisor stated the ordinance “prevents restaurants from preying on children’s love of toys to peddle high-calorie, high-fat, high-sodium kids means.”
The ordinance will affect meals that have over 485 calories, over 600 milligrams of sodium, and more than 35 percent of total calories from fat or over 10 percent of calories from added sugar. The ban will also restrict toy giveaways on single food items with over 200 calories or more than 480 milligrams of sodium.
The new ordinance has cause the California Restaurant Association to fight back by placing ads in local newspapers. One add even stated, “Who Made Politicians the Toy Police?” and shows a child standing in front of a police officer in handcuffs.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California government lawyers.
