San Francisco affirms ban on free toys with unhealthy fast food

Nov 10, 2010, 10:40 GMT

San Francisco - San Francisco has reaffirmed its support for a measure that bans fast-food chains in the Californian city from offering free toys with calorie-laden meals, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.

The city's Board of Supervisors had initially approved the legislation last week. It would allow child-friendly gifts only in meals with reduced sodium, fat and sugar content that also include fruits and vegetables.

The measure, which is meant to go into effect in December 2011, is designed to combat childhood obesity. It is the first of its kind in a major United States city.

But San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom pledged to veto the proposal.

'Parents, not politicians, should decide what their children eat,' he was quoted as saying by the Chronicle.

However, there appears to be enough support for the legislation on the Board of Supervisors to override the veto.

Supervisor Eric Mar, the measure's chief sponsor, called it 'a simple and modest policy that holds fast-food (businesses) accountable.'

The fast-food chain McDonald's, which offers children's toys with its Happy Meals, expressed disappointment at the decision, saying that it does not reflect its clients' wishes.