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December 15th, 2010
02:04 PM ET
Woman sues McDonald's over Happy MealsA California woman is suing McDonald's claiming the fast-food giant uses toys to market directly to young children. Monet Parham, a Sacramento, California, mother of two small children filed the lawsuit Wednesday in San Francisco along with health, nutrition and food safety advocates Center for Science in the Public Interest . CSPI is seeking court approval to proceed as a class action. Parham, a 41-year old state employee, says her kids repeatedly ask for Happy Meals, mainly for the toys. "We have to say no to our kids so many times and McDonald's makes that so much harder to do. I object to the fact that McDonald's is getting into my kids' heads without my permission and actually changing what my kids want to eat." Michael Jacobson, CSPI's executive director accused McDonald's of "one of the most insidious marketing practices–dangling a toy in front of a small child." Jacobson called the practice "unfair, deceptive and illegal' in California and many other states. "The food industry has a responsibility not to intrude into families by using sleazy marketing techniques getting kids to pester their parents." Jacobson compared the tactics to tobacco companies marketing to kids with things like Joe Camel. "In this instance, McDonald's is worse. They are going straight at little kids. The company is using unfair techniques to persuade the kids to persuade the parents to go to McDonald's. Tobacco companies don't go after 3 year-olds. Neither does Coca Cola or Pepsi." In 2006, fast food companies spent over $520 million on advertising and toys to market kids meals. More than $350 million of that was for toys alone. Last month, The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance that requires happy meals and other fast food offerings with toys meet new nutritional standards or be removed from menus. It goes into effect next December. McDonald's says it is proud of its Happy Meals and will vigorously defend the company's brand, its reputation and its food. "We stand on our 30-year track record of providing a fun experience for kids and families at McDonald's," said Bridget Coffing, a company spokesperson. "We listen to our customers, and parents consistently tell us they approve of our Happy Meals. We are confident that parents understand and appreciate that Happy Meals are a fun treat, with quality, right-sized food choices for their children that can fit into a balanced diet." This is not the first time CSPI has challenged fast food companies in court. In 2006 the organization went after Kellogg for marketing cereals loaded with sugar to children. In that case CSPI and Kellogg reached a settlement. CSPI also sued Kentucky Fried Chicken for frying its chicken in partially hydrogenated oil, which is high in trans fat. When KFC phased out the oil, CSPI dropped the lawsuit. soundoff (2,110 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Next »
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its time i sued jack daniels for all the ugly women i slept with
If only, bro.
Funny thing is that I agree that McDonalds engages in unethical advertising. As a child I, too, used to beg my folks for Happy Meals all the time. . . and they told me No most of the time.
Yeah, McDonalds does need to change it's advertising; it does target kids in the worst of ways. But this suit is pointless. If states or cities or the Federal government wants to regulate McDonald's commercialization, then more power to them. I support that as much as I did the death of Joe Camel. But parenting is the responsibility of the parent. No one else.
We, as consumers, have the power to change the ways companies do business.
Don't like McDonalds habit of targeting kids, then don't shop there. If you fear the commercials are brainwashing your kids, maybe you should do something about the amount of time your kid spends watching them. Like turning off the TV.
Same thing goes for countless other issues. I don't shop at Wal-Mart because they are one of the largest trade partners of China. I shop far more frequently at Mom & Pop stores. Yeah the price is a little higher and the selection more limited, but it is worth it to me to put my money in the hand of local businesses instead of megacorporations.
My kids listen to me unlike hers I guess. What a stupid lawsuit.
Can she produce a years receipt for the groceries she bought? I'd like to see what her kids have been telling her to buy as they cruise the grocery aisles – and what she considers three healthy square meals a day! If she can't say no to her kids driving by a McDonald's – I'm sure the grocery aisles are really a nightmare!
Parents – take responsiblity. Say NO – the adult world will – so its best that you teach your children how to handle NO now- – or the reprecussions/consequences in life are going to be a whole lot worse than a missed Happy Meal!
Whenever I take my kinds to McDonalds, which is maybe 1 or 2 times a month, we order right off the menu...they see the happy meal, but we order a la carte. I have never ordered a happy meal for them and they are none the wiser. When they see kids playing with toys from a happy meal...I simply tell them that they brought them from home. A little deception goes along way and, as a result, I never hear wining or pleading from my kids for happy meals or mcdonalds.
It's called 'parenting'. You are responsible for bringing your kids up the right way, not the restaurant chains.
Good Lord... Umm... Gee... I've had it wrong since my first child was born. I used to think it was my job as a parent to make the decisions regarding nutrition... What a bunch of happy crap, Ms. Parham! BE A PARENT! Saying "No" is part of the job...
this is the dumbest thing i have ever heard
God, where do I start on this one? Government employee looking for more money. Horrible parent. Weak minded and weak willed. Bad example for her children. How about we start a loser pays system in this country.
So what, just say no to your kids. Get their meals somewhere else. Whos incharge you or your children. People going around sueing everyone just because they or their family can't get it their way. Just plain crazy.
If this lawsuit somehow affects the availability of Happy Meals, I would like the right to sue her. I think I will object to her telling me how to raise my child.
Is everyone forgetting ! San Fran .... Pelosi is from there. Thats where all the nut cases are.
I know geography isn't your specialty, but Sacramento is not San Francisco. See the difference in names?
MS, Pelosi is from CA-8 which represents SF
OMG! Happy meals are directly marketed to children? I had NO idea!! geez woman... get a life... seriously...
Throw that Dumb Azz Bytch in jail!!!
Heaven forbid this woman might actually have to be a parent and say no to her kids!
Monet Parham's parents have failed her. They failed to instill in her the behavior of a responsible adult. She doesn't seem to understand that she is responsible for the training of her children to be responsible human beings. Training means offering choices and correcting mistakes when necessary. The suit should be dismissed. Ms. Parham should consider what other unhealthy/ unwise choices she is allowing others to make. In the interest of her children, Ms. Parham should take parenting classes.
Let's face it, children's palates are not especially well developed. Getting them to eat much other than hot dogs and chicken nuggets can be an exercise in futility. However, I agree that you have to keep trying. Here's a very simple solution to this mother who says her children ask for Happy Meals strictly for the toy. Tell your child that you will get him/her a toy w/ the meal, as long as he/she gets apple slices instead of fries and white milk or water instead of cholocate milk. That way, you both win. Child gets toy, parent feeds child at least a little bit healthier meal. I don't see what McDonalds is doing wrong. Stop blaming everyone else for your inability to parent effectively.
Only in California! LOL
A quick search turned up her full name as Monet Parham-Lee. Not only a government employee "...that she is in fact the same person as Monet Parham-Lee, who is a “regional program manager” on the state of California payroll for child nutrition matters." And she's a leftist advocate on food issues. This isn't so much bad parenting to her kids, but she and government parenting us.
In other news; we fine another person who can't take charge of their responsibility to say "no" and sues Walmart and stores like it that sneakily put candy at the cash registers so that their kids ask for it.
LAME LAME LAME! Get a grip people and do your job as a parent. That's saying "no" if you didn't already know that.
LIsten, I have a Masters in Public Health, so just trust me when I tell you that I'm going through this lawsuit for the children. I may get my own children taken away, I may become a laughingstock, I may never be able to get new employment since anyone who googles Monet Parham (with or without the -Lee) is going to find what a wretched person and mother I am.
I AM DOING THIS FOR YOU.
I'm from the government and I'm here to help.
So is your beef that your children desire a toy, or that they desire food of dubious nutritional value? If McD eliminated the toy, would you be satified?
Happy Meals have been around since my youth, but that tiny hamburger was hardly an attraction. On the rare occasions my parents took my brothers and me to McD's, I was on the lookout for a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder and a "triple thick shake." My own children are now adults. We went to McD's from time to time, but the kids knew that begging and whining was not an effective way to get there.
So if you are doing it for my sake, you can withdraw your suit now.
Lady, you aren't doing anything for me. If I want to sue someone, I really wouldn't ask you for help! I fed my children home cooked meals everyday. I worked, went to school and still cooked healthy food each and every day. Doing this for me? No, you are doing this for you. You are using your job email and phone number for personal reasons-not business purposes. You are breaking rules of employment by doing so. Should the good citizens sue you for using job email and phone number for personal gain? Oh yes, blog up the courts with another frivilous suit and remember, we are "doing this for you". We, the citizens of this country, DO NOT need YOU to do anything for us. We know how to parent.
No, you aren't doing this for us. Judging by the comments (putting the aside the good or bad parent parts), folks don't want you to do it for us. We like choices. We can show our children what is good for them and what it not. If you work for the gov't in the health department, fine. But help folks make informed choices, not attempt to take away choices, especially, using backhanded techniques like a lawsuit.
No, you are not doing this for ME or MINE. I am the parent here. McDonalds offers choices – and if you don't like them, and can't get your kids to eat "healthy" then stay the heck out of McDonalds – it's that simple. Mine chooses the apples over fries every time! It's called educating my children – and I am capable of doing so without your interference. America has the right to choose – we also have the right to vote with out dollars. If WE decide that the menu is unsuitable for our children-then we tell McDonalds by not frequenting their establishment. We don't need you or other organizations to tell us how to rear our children – there has been way to much interference from you and others like you for far to long. It's time – no, it's past time to stop the interference and the clogging of our courts with issues that really should not rest in your or other organizations hand. I am the parent. They are my children. I choose.
No, YOU LISTEN! You ARE a laughing stock. You know what you can do with your Nazi master's degree.
You are a fool looking for free money. It's not about the kids or you would simply not take your kids there. You remind me of the lady who sued over her weight gain. You need to get a life and just take care of your kids. Are you going to sue the TV executives because they advertise candy cereals? You are seeking you 15 minutes of fame and it is ugly. Have you noticed that nobody has any respect for you. Grow up.
My grandchildren don't ask for Happy Meals because they've never seen the inside of a McDonalds. Easy solution.
Let's sue this woman for beinging an illresponsible mother. Lady it's called NO!
If you think this lady is correct you have major issues. Grow the F up, you can tell you kids no dont blame Ads for your kids being fat.
Throw the book and a Big Mac at this woman. Seriously, if you don't want your child to eat fast food, DON'T FEED THEM FAST FOOD! Idiot.
Right on Star!!!!! You can tell this woman just wants some money and she thinks suing McDonalds is a great way to get it!! If she was really parenting her kids and placing boundaries on them, she would not even think about suing McDonald's. That is such a no brainer!!!! What kind of example is she setting for her kids. She needs to get a life. We live in a world of "choices" and evidently the choice of saying "no" is not in her vocabulary.
Bleach tastes good.
Is this even legal? I know it is but my god how can it be? I hate McDonalds with a passion; but even this is ridiculus. Tomorrow I'm going to go and sue every fast food restaurant I can find for supplying food to the visual unaesthetic people ie obese people; just on the grounds that they make my day worse by having to look at them. Im sure I'll win millions off the lawsuit. Because its not like the people of america have any choice but to go to McDonalds; I understand McDonalds is the sole proprieter of food in america. and that if you dont want to eat McDonalds they will send out a team of ex Navy Seals to track you down and force feed you. So yes because of these evil practices I'm going to take it upon myself to save all of mankind and sue mcdonalds.
This lawsuit is ridiculous! A parent can say "no" to a happy meal, and, if they want their kid to have the toy...JUST BUY THE TOY! I don't buy a happy meal when I want a Transformer toy, I save change and buy the toy for a buck. My parents could say 'no', even on "McDonalds" days. (Going thru drive-thru after church) many times my mom would say no to the happy meal and get only an ice cream cone. We didn't always do that either. If you want the kid to have a toy and a treat, get a parfaite or something from the dollar menu. I can't afford to do that now, but I understand when my mom says no to fast food and/or just getting a toy. (I'm 27, and autistic and my 61 year old mother still takes care of me. I am drawn to toys too because I have the mentality of a 10 year old, that doesn't mean IQ, it means acts, behavior, ect.) As an autistic this is my primary way of communicating, but as I said, this lawsuit is ridiculous and a WASTE of money! If this lady can't act like a real parent and learn to say 'no' or just agree to get the toy, then, sorry, perhaps she should be taking classes to learn to be a parent. It was already agreed in that state about happy meals and toys, so she needs to learn to behave like a parent of her age, not a teenager.
While Parents should decide if they want to give their kids fast food.. All I ask is that every ingrident, natural and artifical be listed on the packaging so I know what the hell is in the food I give my children. This includes preservatives, food enhancers, the type of oil used, calories, and other nutritional info.. That won't happen cause if people knew what was in those burgers they would'nt buy their food.. If you want to give toys with your food and advertise it on TV it should meet some standard set for nutrition.. Buyer beware!..
It's OK to use this as an occasional treat or reward. Everything we consume is not always for nutritional value.
or just say no...I heard somewhere it is good to give kids boundaries...
Oh (#(%&@$#$& -take some self-responsibility and don't go to the place, if you don't approve of something. Here's a concept – stay home and cook.
You are all just jealous because I got my name in the paper.
Monet Parham-Lee, MPH
Regional Program Manager
Network for a Healthy California, CA Dept. of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave
Sacramento State: CA 95814
Phone: (916) 552-9906
Email: monet.parham-lee@cdph.ca.gov
u definitely got ur name as the winner of the most stupid person award of the year... where can we sue u for intelligence? i am sure u will be found innocent..
When did anyone in the country ask someone in California to decide what our kids eat or don't, see on TV or don't, etc.
I do hope you get fined for court costs, thrown in jail and have your kids taken away. You're obviously unfit to raise them and we'll see how you like it when someone else (like Childrens Services) decides whats best for you.
People like you are why this country is going down the hole.
We are all so jealous of you making a fool of yourself, and proving the point that some people should not be allowed to breed.
This is a situation where a person has decided to use their own inability to be a responsible parent as an attempt to gain publicity and money. I hope the courts see this as her acknowledgement she is an unfit parent and does something to protect her children. Parenting requires making the best choices for your children, and it requires teaching your children to make wise decisions. If the children whine they want to play in traffic is she going to sue the California Highway Patrol for making highways?
Jealous! Not hardly! I wouldn't want my name associated with this ridiculous law suit. This is why people think so little of lawyers. You're just wanting a payday! You don't care about your children or you would have no problem telling them "NO! I'm the parent and you're the child. Don't ask again!"
Only in San Francisco would some out of touch person file such a lawsuit. Quite frankly, this lady should not be allowed to have children, if she cannot tell them no.
Does anyone think there really maybe something in the water out there.....bankrupt both financially and morally.
Wow... just be a parent and say no. Don't sue McDonald's over stupid bull like that. That person just wants attention. No duh they use it to target children ... it's not illegal, so get a life and eat somewhere else. Is that hard?
sigh...
This lawsuit is ridiculous! A parent can say "no" to a happy meal, and, if they want their kid to have the toy...JUST BUY THE TOY! I don't buy a happy meal when I want a Transformer toy, I save change and buy the toy for a buck. My parents could say 'no', even on "McDonalds" days. (Going thru drive-thru after church) many times my mom would say no to the happy meal and get only an ice cream cone. We didn't always do that either. If you want the kid to have a toy and a treat, get a parfaite or something from the dollar menu. I can't afford to do that now, but I understand when my mom says no to fast food and/or just getting a toy. (I'm 27, and autistic and my 61 year old mother still takes care of me. I am drawn to toys too because I have the mentality of a 10 year old, that doesn't mean IQ, it means acts, behavior, ect.) As an autistic this is my primary way of communicating, but as I said, this lawsuit is ridiculous and a WASTE of money! If this lady can't act like a real parent and learn to say 'no' or just agree to get the toy, then, sorry, perhaps she should be taking classes to learn to be a parent. It was already agreed in that state about happy meals and toys, so she needs to learn to behave like a parent of her age, not a teenager. I for one do love Happy Meals, they are easy and simple if we have the money and have to go somewhere far, like Tulsa to pick up a family member. It disturbs me at how parents now can't take responsibility and quit blaming others. Its not the school's fault that your kid can't pass and it is not any fast food franchise's fault that you can't say no or reach a compromise with your kids! Set weekly goals and a behavior chart, if they do good, agree to get them a TOY from McDonald's, but they can't have a happy meal, they will eat what YOU make.
Hey idiot...Instead of a law suit..tell the little rug rats..NO!
Just worry about your kids, stop wasting the courts time with poor parenting. Lady trying to make a quick buck for doing nothing.
Don't take your kids to MacDonalds! Its as simple as that-Geez a state worker, no wonder Arnie is broke with a loser like you working for the state. Oh and by the way, now that you have done this oh soooooooooooooo stooopid actions, you might as well put a beat the hell out of my sign on your kids, because they will get the crapped kicked out of them thanx to you MORON!
Hello... you can buy the Toy by themselves... The toy cost $1.50 and the Meal $4.00 .. A cheeper alternative i see..
Personal Responsibility is something that is almost completely lost in this nation.
You can't sue everyone who makes something that children like. You as a parent are responsible for your child's well being; no one else. If there is something bad for your child that they want, it is your responsibility to say no.
This is really not such a difficult concept, yet this sort of lawsuit nonsense keeps coming up.
In one sense I agree with her. McD's obviously is targetting kids, imagine liquor companies offering your child an "incentive" or cigarette companies dangling incentives in an attempt to hook your child (hard pressed to disagree that McDs is at least close to being as addictive as tobaccy)...now should she be whining about the "having to say no", probably not, but let's face it, do we really want our kids wanting McDs to collect the latest movie action figure? Now, I guess the easiest way and probably the best of both worlds, hit subway or have dinner at home and then hit the McDs to collect the action figure or toy. Problem solved.
I guess if you can't be a responsible parent and say "No" to your kids then a frivolous lawsuit is your best bet. Hey lady... try staying home and cooking your kids nutritious meals and stay away from fast food places if you really are concerned over their health and welfare.
"I object to the fact that McDonald's is getting into my kids' heads without my permission and actually changing what my kids want to eat."
TURN OFF THE TELEVSION, IDIOT!
I think it's very sad that we live in a world where parents are afraid of saying NO to their children. And, yes, sometimes you have to repeat it several times. Here's an idea, don't take your kids to McDonalds. How about a home-cooked meal?
What? Can't control yourself or your children? Need the Government to jump in and do it for you ?
Then do not complain when they take control of the rest of your life too.
Get a life.
Ah the People's Republic of California strikes again. They can't parent worth a crap so let's sue anyone and everyone for own shortcomings.
"A California woman is suing McDonald's claiming the fast-food giant uses toys to market directly to young children. "
Yeah? My wife keeps asking for diamonds...I'm going to sue DeBeers for their insidious advertising! Diamonds are forever but my disability check only goes so far...
Learn to SAY NO to your kids!!!!! My son and I have a date night once a week and he always picks Mcdonalds... Whether or not we go there is up to me and we don't go more than once a week. He is only 9 and doesn't always get a kids meal. but I have learned to SAY NO to my kids and set boundries. What a stupid lawsuit!
Well if you can sue McDonalds for advertrising toys ... WELL THEN bring on the lawsuites for all toy comapnies out there!! I am tired of all the comercials that advertise toys to kids and "I Want That" game we have hear.
Discipline your kids AMERICA ... Make this a better country
You can thank Mrs Obama for anyone even thinking of such a ridiculous lawsuit! With her wanting to control food served to everyone, especially kids this is just the beginning. Guess I'll have to sue Dunkin Donuts for putting too much creme in the middle and so much powder sugar on top......It's all I think of when I drive by every morning.
I think the lady is an idiot but how is this Obama's fault? You morons who favor one party over the other just make stuff up as go along. Telling kids to eat better does not lead to frivolous lawsuits.
Wow...first this lady with the lawsuit is a waste to society...as for Mrs. Obama...haha...Hey...Kids a fat and lazy these days and schools are now cutting out gym class cause budgets and too many parent complain their kids have to run. The least the schools can do is not buy into marketing (read Taco Bell and Coca-Cola) and make sure they feed kids based on the food pyrimid they teach. When I was in school I got 1 meat, one starch, and one green along with a milk period. Do you sir have a problem with that? Just a note...Pres. Reagan at the time did not seem to have a problem with that.
Sorry lady, no one says your kids have to eat the food. If you were truly conscientious and STILL want to let your children run your life, you'd buy the meal and throw it out, keeping only the toy for your apparently needy child. A MickeyD's toy certainly did not placate me as a child so I think you need to stop projecting your child's desires over your own ability to parent. If you can't take responsibility for what goes into your child's mouth, you have no responsibility being a parent.