Consumer Group Sues McDonald's Over Happy Meal Toys

The Center for Science in the Public Interest filed a lawsuit against McDonald's in state court in California to stop the company from advertising toys with Happy Meals.

It's no sure thing that the consumer group will get its way in court, of course, but the lawsuit ups the pressure on the fast-food chain over the combination of food and toys that appeal to kids. McDonald's defends the meals. The lawsuit asserts that under California's consumer protection laws, McDonald's toy advertising is deceptive. It targets children under 8 years old who don't have the ability to understand advertising. But the real concern for the group, and for parents, CSPI says, is that McDonald's advertising makes kids beg their parents to buy food that's high in calories, sugar, fat and salt, which contributes to obesity. But CSPI is not asking for damages, just for McDonald's to stop advertising toys.