Government

Food Police Part II: NYC Could Soon Ban ‘Happy Meals’

Yesterday we reported that the NYC Health Department banned fried food from work meals. Now, the city’s healthy food crusade could soon claim its next victim: Happy Meals.

Councilman Leroy Comrie — who is an admittedly large man — is expected to introduce legislation today that would essentially eliminate the fast food staple and others like it. And if restaurants don’t comply, the penalty could be stiff — up to $2,500:

WCBS reports:

The bill would require establishments that offer toys with food make sure the meals are 500 calories or less and have low fat and low sodium totals.

Penalties would be steep: between $200 to $2,500 for repeat restaurant offenders who use toys to sell unhealthy meals.

Comrie said fast food restaurants know exactly what they’re doing.

“It comes as no surprise that these ads and meals are also targeted in low income and minority neighborhoods that are already at risk for childhood obesity. These are the same communities that have limited access to supermarkets, limited access to healthy food options,” Comrie said.

The ban wouldn’t be new — San Francisco has already outlawed the tiny meals.

McDonald‘s responded to Comrie’s proposal by saying its Happy Meals allow families choice, and that food decisions should be left up to customers, not politicians:

“Our Happy Meals make it easier for families to choose the right foods in portions just for kids. We provide options for our customers and trust them to make the decisions that are right for their families. Politicians should too.”

“There is, of course, no evidence that any of these regulations changes the way Americans eat,” Julie Gunlock writes over at NRO. “But this hasn’t stopped Comrie’s campaign against toys — which he calls ‘predatory marketing techniques.’”

“I guess it’s going to take some outraged parents to finally call off the food police.”

Comments (105)

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  • HistoryStudent
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:20pm

    Oh Goodie, more petty rules from the bureaucracy! This is ridiculous and hopefully the last straw. I thought America was the land of the free, just as long as you don’t smoke, don’t eat fatty foods, pay your taxes, fees and fines and keep your damn mouth shut.

    Report Post »  
  • jmc610
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:14pm

    I’m in NY & ironically, when I picked up my daughter from school an hour ago she asked if she can have a HAPPY MEAL for dinner tonight!
    Every once in a while we will go to McDonald’s…maybe a couple of times a month…
    FOR A TREAT!!!
    It amazes me that we ALL have to pay the price for others who are just IRRESPONSIBLE!!!
    Does it take a PH.D to know if you eat it all the time it’s not healthy… I mean really…
    I can’t take it anymore. I really can’t.

    Report Post » jmc610  
    • mrlogan3
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:53pm

      I think this would be overstepping boundaries too, but it’s all about the toy, not the food.

      Report Post » TRUTH  
  • Tepeyac
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:12pm

    If only this councilman had a brain…imagine what he could accomplish???? I’m okay until he attacks canned sardines and crackers…..

    Report Post »  
  • alrunner58
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:07pm

    I hope McDonald’s is seriously contemplating moving all their business out of New York.

    Report Post » alrunner58  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:53pm

    I see a new American revolution coming soon. I‘ll be dammed if I’ll put up with being told what I can eat and what I can’t. Whem they come for my guns there will be a lot of dead Communists.

    Report Post »  
  • yippyio
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:50pm

    All these New York geniuses are going to do is create a black market for happy meals. You are going to have dealers on the street corners of bad neighborhoods hawking there wares to the unsuspecting adolescents. Crime and out of wedlock births will ensue.

    Report Post » yippyio  
    • mrlogan3
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Hahaha, that’s funny

      Report Post » TRUTH  
    • yippyio
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:39pm

      Think about it. Local governments are banning Happy meals The same time they are legalizing marijuana.

      Report Post » yippyio  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:46pm

    The real big question is will the U.N. enforce a no fly zone over the U.S. when we rebel against this opression.

    Report Post »  
  • joxercat
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:41pm

    I think ill go there and buy myself and the kids a happy meal! We wont get the apples either. Fries all the way. Sodas all around. Load it up with cheese please! And I want a cool toy too that I am going to hang from my minivans mirror! We like going to Mcdonalds and contrary to what they believe my kids do eat healthy meals. We only go there once every couple of weeks. I agree that they should just sell the toy seperate or give it away as a side item not included in the happy meal! Problem solved! Where they aware that caviar and all that nice buttered up lobster can cause you to be fat too. I say ban it!

    Report Post »  
  • BetterDays
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:35pm

    Guess what socialist’s, you can make all the rules you want to, I’m no longer following your rules.
    I rule myself, it’s a GOD given right, if I were to follow your rules that would make you my god, that’s not going to happen. The isn’t one single way you can get me to follow after your ways men of sin, I live for CHRIST JESUS not for collectiveness. I know you will have to be rid of me, and IF that’s GODS plan for me so be it I will NOT COMPLY. Nor will you judge me according to your rules, I will not be participate in your wholesale robbery of me or my nation. I am a FREE man, your rules and laws ment to enslave are of no effect, I will not bend knee to you.
    LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
    My breath of life is GOD given and is not because you created me.
    My liberty is GOD given, and without GODs approval you can not remove it from me.
    The happiness I pursue is GOD ordained and harms no one, therefor it is none of your business.

    WE need to stand united for our freedoms folks, or GOD shall remove them.

    Report Post »  
  • Amica
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:34pm

    Since the problem seems to be the lack of super markets, maybe the city/state of New York could offer some incentive for those businesses to open and operate in those areas. Something like, perhaps, lower taxes or somehow making it easier to open a business. Maybe by easing up on the more ridiculous regulations. How about making it possible for food producers to come in once or twice a week to a central location to offer their wares in these areas? You know…a farmers market. In my experience, people who grow and sell fruits and vegetables are not only business people wanting to sell a product, but are enthusiastic about educating people about their benefits. I’m guessing there are some vacant lots or store fronts in these areas.

    A little imagination and effort on the part of the members of those communities would solve this problem. Oh yeah…the government likes to discourage those things.

    Further clamping down on the businesses that are in those areas is only going to make them leave, or force them to raise their prices.

    As to the advertising, the implication seems to be that fast food outlets advertise with the sole purpose to make people unhealthy. Actually, they “target” anyone who eats. And, they’re selling a product that for decades people still demand. If people didn’t want McDonalds food the way it is, they wouldn’t buy it and McDonalds would stop selling it.

    To me, the basis of the problem is not McDonalds, but the parents and the extended family. That a child says they want a happy meal, does not mean a parent should, in a hypnotic trance, immediately provide them with one. Have a little backbone.

    Report Post » Amica  
  • Justme22
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:32pm

    Just one more reason I‘m ticked pink I don’t live in NYC

    Report Post »  
  • JJCon
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:31pm

    If they put some pot in the boxes instead this wouldn’t be a problem.

    Report Post »  
  • chkiaar
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:28pm

    This is the city…New York
    3 million people live her…I’m one of them.
    My job…to root out Happy Meals from the underground fast food chains.
    You can get them, but I’ll get you…my name’s Friday-

    Report Post »  
  • country_hick
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:28pm

    I wonder if Herr Comrie would be willing to sponsor legislation that REQUIRE Council Members to maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24 AND to document a minimum of four (4) one (1) hour workouts per week?

    Report Post »  
  • cantakeitanymore
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:25pm

    Here is an idea, charge a penny for the toy, problem solved no free giveaways and big brother can;t tell them what to do

    Report Post »  
    • chfields62
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 5:47pm

      Last time I checked, it was the parents who buy the happy meals…When is the last time you saw a 6yo in Mcdonalds alone buying a happy meal???? Where does the goverment get off trying to tell us what we can or cannot eat? Even worse, telling businesses what they can or cannot sell….I thought we lived in America???

      Report Post »  
  • Banshee34
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:08pm

    I am so tired of the government thinking it’s their job to protect me from myself and my kids from myself (if i had any).

    Also looked up the calories from mcd’s. http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/Happy_Meals_Nutrition_List.pdf

    Report Post » Banshee34  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:07pm

    This is horrible. I lost my bag of fried pork rinds.

    Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:54pm

    sell the meals and give the toys away free.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:54pm

    “Only one reason for law & one excuse for government, the preservation of liberty.” THE ONLY LITMUS TEST WORTH A DAMN.

    Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:53pm

    Fool Police is more like it, and vote the fools out of office that want to control your lives!

    Report Post »  
  • Untameable-kate
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:47pm

    “It comes as no surprise that these ads and meals are also targeted in low income and minority neighborhoods that are already at risk for childhood obesity.”

    Now Mc Donalds are racist because they are responsible for making the minority kids fat. Next they better ban X-Box.

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:00pm

      Again they are saying minorities are too stupid to make their own decisions. There are apple slices they can eat instead of fries and so forth, but the dems think if they don’t keep a tight rein on the minorities they will always make stupid choices. Democrat=racist

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • heyjms
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:45pm

    I don’t like this, I guess I would be more upset if the Happy Meal toys were more like what they used to be…. not the crap today…. oh my god, I just turned into my Grandfather when he would talk about CrackerJack’s prizes.

    Report Post » heyjms  
    • starman70
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 9:31am

      You’ve got a point. If the toys were eliminated from Happy Meals all together, we wouldn’t be innumdated with tainted and even poisonous toys from China. Furthermore, the reduction of imported junk might result in a reduction of payments to China and even the balance of payments a couple of million dollars.

      Report Post »  
  • Untameable-kate
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:43pm

    Councilman Leroy Comrie — who is an admittedly large man

    Jealous maybe??

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • moreteaplease
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:50pm

      I bet his meals at home are ‘quite happy’.

      Report Post » moreteaplease  
    • Lemon47
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 10:27am

      They say the brain is made of fatty tissue. But apparently it all slumped to the man’s arse and joined the rest of the fat.

      Report Post » Lemon47  
  • rhaedge
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:42pm

    “Comrie”? More like Commie!

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:39pm

    Salt, fried foods and now happy meals; how long until they ban breathing and drinking water of all kinds and taxing the air as well?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Bloody Sam
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:41pm

      “Penalties would be steep: between $200 to $2,500 for repeat restaurant offenders who use toys to sell unhealthy meals.”

      Ok…how about using unhealthy meals to sell toys?

      Report Post » Bloody Sam  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:41pm

      Maybe they can come out with “UNHAPPY MEALS” .. that is the only thing these control freaks want … can’t stand to see people happy and free.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:42pm

      Rename therm Unhappy Meals!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:42pm

      When will these idiots get it? It’s not the food, it’s the exercise. Take away the game consoles and make kids go out and play.
      They would be clueless, play? what’s that?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:46pm

      I won’t be going to San Francissyco and now New York. Anymore cities want to deny me my rights?
      “It comes as no surprise that these ads and meals are also targeted in low income and minority neighborhoods that are already at risk for childhood obesity. These are the same communities that have limited access to supermarkets, limited access to healthy food options,” Comrie said”
      Really, think that‘s because that’s WHY they are there, to sell to those who can’t afford caviar?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • rhaedge
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:48pm

      Cmon…It is in the Declaration of Independence… “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy Meals.”

      Report Post »  
    • Brasil2520
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:52pm

      If the GOVERNMENT could tax air, we would all be dead ! Maybe that’s next ? They already charge for water.

      Report Post » Brasil2520  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:55pm

      I love this part. “It comes as no surprise that these ads and meals are also targeted in low income and minority neighborhoods that are already at risk for childhood obesity. (Welfare money well spent by lazy women who won’t cook a meal) These are the same communities that have limited access to supermarkets, limited access to healthy food options,” I have an answer for this councilman, first tell the punks in these neighborhoods to quit robbing the supermarkets and driving them from the neighborhoods, and next tell these people sucking on the government teet to get a job because supermarkets cannot survive when they take in nothing but government foodstamps (no cash).

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:57pm

      I wish someone would challenge these idiot legislatures in court, the government has NO BUSINESS in our business. If someone chooses to be unhealthy with their diet, it is their choice, and their own responsibility to deal with the consequences.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:01pm

      This is unConstitutional.

      Report Post »  
    • cessna152
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:18pm

      “…..taxing the air as well?….”
      ________________________________________________________

      Perrie-air? (Spaceballs… classic.)

      However, it’s only funny in the movies, not real life!

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:38pm

      anonymous,
      You’re 1000% correct the foods served today are much healthier than the foods served 30 years ago.
      It isn’t the food,it’s the life style of kids today. Video games,computers,300 channels and cell phones are the cause of obesity. 30 years ago lard fried foods,heavy sugary sodas,and salty foods had little to no effect on a kid who was burning 3500 calories or more a day biking,hiking,playing football,baseball,or basketball. But every peice of land out there is owned by someone who doesn’t want to be sued when some kids get hurt on their property, so the put no trespassing signs and ban kids off their land. So that leave little to no areas for kids to play.And they can’t ban technology they need kids plugged into the matrix,and they need parents buying all this hi-tech crap to keep the economy moving.

      Report Post »  
    • Obama Snake Oil Co
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:50pm

      I have told everybody I know, that when the notsees when after smokers that it would come to haunt us and we should have stood up with them. However, it was for their own good…where have I heard that before? So we make the claim (Lobby) that second hand smoke is more dangerous than primary smoke…you know, it is more dangerous to be 50 miles away then have your desk ontop of the smokestack…..It was an EPA Ruling since a judge threw it out as political. Well, folks, it has now come to bite and some of you santioned it. Who, me? Yep. You went along with it, we saw if leave airlplanes, airports, public buildings, stores, bars and restaurants and now the work place smoking area. They threw higher taxes on them than anyother product in the country and then charged them more for healthinsurance. We santioned the government to do anything they want in the name of health for you and me. So freedom was taken away from them…expect it now with food and anything else they deem unhealthy. You see the fine in the story? Just a matter of time, fast food tax, water tax, soda tax, buffet tax…what ever they want and its coming. All because some whinned about the smell of smoke from some gal sporting a smoke. We heard about transfat, McDonalds….San Francisco…now New York….think real hard for a minute…..how far do you think they will take this? Then think…how far did they take it with the smokers? Let me know when the train stops, right now I am too busy tossing freedoms out the train window…..OSOC PS, remember the government sloagan “and remember, we care”…..MBOB

      Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • robin.kevin
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:01pm

      AND THEY CALL THIS COUNTRY FREE??? I am about done with this whole dang outfit running the show its about time we make America FREE again cause if we don’t have FREEDOM then what do we have? I am sorry but if I want to eat what they may call “unhealthy” then that’s my choice. If that choice kills me then let it be and just call it volunteer population control but till it does kill me leave this county boy alone and stop rattling the cage! Of course NY hasn’t had much freedom for a long time, to prove this one just has to look at their gun laws…

      Report Post » robin.kevin  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:34pm

      incrementally these progressives desire to control everly little part of all our lives, for they know better.

      Report Post »  
    • Class2000Generation
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:38pm

      Can they PLEASE back off on our food intake and put that energy towards drug offenders?? Or how about tackling the border issue…?

      Report Post » Class2000Generation  
    • Melanie
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:39pm

      I don’t hear them complaining that Planned Parenthood targets these neighborhoods.

      Report Post »  
    • Think4yourself.org
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 5:02pm

      The irony is amazing…Fat councilman that can’t control his own eating habits wants to blame others for his condition. “Look what fast food did to me, I must save you from yourself” Remove the log from your own eye before worring about the splinter in mine!

      Report Post »  
    • mrsmileyface
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 5:50pm

      NYC Food Cops….. Put the Happy Meal down or were going to open fire. Kid breaks out his happy meal Spongebob toy. NYC Food Cops …… HIT THE DECK BOYS!!! he broke out Spongebob!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:00pm

      Aw, just go ahead and go the limit! Rename them DEMOCRAPPY MEALS!”

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • foobear
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:47pm

      The real problem is probably sugar.

      The low-fat diet has been a national disaster for America. They replace fat with carbs, and metabolic syndrome has exploded through the roof.

      Everyone needs to watch this video from UCSF:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

      Report Post » foobear  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:29pm

      Gee, I remember my parents having no problem telling me no without any help of some politician or government hack. What a joke. Either we have a free market or not.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • Mikeyyy
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 1:55am

      One of the nice things about the United States is you can give your finger to stupid states. If they want to make stupid laws, move. If enough people and good businesses moved out, the state would be left with only stupid people: perfect.

      Report Post »  
    • Tresse
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 3:01am

      To borrow the words of an old St. Louis radio show announcer, “Please save us from the good people.” Love you Jim White wherever you are.

      Report Post »  
    • waggie
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 8:16pm

      What is wrong with these people? Why do they put up with this? Dang! Now they’re targeting my happy meals!

      Report Post » waggie  
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