McDonald's Facing Lawsuit Over Happy Meal Toys

A public health watchdog says it's going to sue McDonald's if it doesn't stop luring children into unhealthy eating habits by handing out toys with Happy Meals. The chain "is the stranger in the playground handing out candy to children," a director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest said, promising a lawsuit if McDonald's doesn't ditch the toys within 30 days. "It's a creepy and predatory practice that warrants an injunction."

The group slammed McDonald's "unfair and deceptive" marketing aimed at children, the Los Angeles Times reports. McDonald's rejected the group's accusations, stressing that the Happy Meals are "right-sized for kids" and children have the option of choosing apple slices instead of fries and juice instead of soda. Toys "are just one part of a fun, family experience at McDonald's," a spokesman said. (More childhood obesity stories.)