Reuters reports that attorneys for McDonald’s have argued in US District Court that consumers know that hamburgers and French fries are fattening, and that a lawsuit blaming the chain for obesity and diabetes in children ought to be dismissed.
The judge in the case took the argument under advisement.
This case is the only obesity lawsuit currently being litigated, though other, similar suits have been filed.
The lawyer reportedly told the judge that it is a “universally understood” fact that burgers and fries contain fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol, and that people know these things aren’t good for them.
"With most meals eaten at home, and about 900,000 dining options available to American consumers every day, McDonald's is no more responsible for an individual's overall diet and lifestyle choices than any other food destination, whether it's your own kitchen, local restaurant or grocery store," McDonald’s said in a statement.
The judge in the case took the argument under advisement.
This case is the only obesity lawsuit currently being litigated, though other, similar suits have been filed.
The lawyer reportedly told the judge that it is a “universally understood” fact that burgers and fries contain fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol, and that people know these things aren’t good for them.
"With most meals eaten at home, and about 900,000 dining options available to American consumers every day, McDonald's is no more responsible for an individual's overall diet and lifestyle choices than any other food destination, whether it's your own kitchen, local restaurant or grocery store," McDonald’s said in a statement.
- KC's View:
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While we believe that people are responsible for what they put in their mouths, we suggest that McDonald’s (and other fast food chains) be careful about this curious combination of self-deprecation and self-righteousness.
The fact is that McDonald’s spends an awful lot of marketing money luring people into its stores…and very rarely does so by mentioning that its food isn’t good for you. “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun” doesn’t sound all that bad for you…certainly not as bad as “fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol on a sesame seed bun.”
