Fast-food firms move to curb US obesity lawsuits

American restaurateurs are hoping a new government bill will prevent a barrage of obesity-related lawsuits.

With concern growing that the food industry is being blamed for America's obesity epidemic, US restaurants are backing proposed legislation to limit "misguided" and "frivolous" litigation.

Christianne Ricchi, owner of i Ricchi restaurant in Washington DC and a board member of the National Restaurant Association (NRA), testified in support of the bill at a government hearing last week. She said restaurants were being unfairly targeted in relation to obesity and warned that the legal fees involved would harm the industry.

Also testifying was law professor John Banzhaf, who hit the headlines the day before for his claims that fast food is addictive. Banzhaf, of George Washington University, wrote to the bosses of McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut demanding that they post customer warning signs in restaurants.

His theory is based on evidence reported in New Scientist magazine suggesting rats that gorge on fat or sugar undergo brain changes associated with addictive drugs.

A spokesman for the NRA said his claims were "ridiculous" and added: "This so-called ‘study' proved nothing more than rats like cheese."

McDonald's spokeswoman Anna Rozenich said: "Consumers can discern the difference between legitimate science and this publicity ploy."

McDonald's and others have been subject to several lawsuits over the past year by Americans blaming fast food and lack of labelling and information for their obesity. None has so far succeeded, but the industry is worried it could suffer the same fate as tobacco companies.

"Trial lawyers are manufacturing hysteria to make restaurants and food-providers their next cash cow," said Richard Berman, executive director of the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), a nonprofit coalition supported by the food industry.

• A new hotel in Mexico is claiming to be the world's first "plus-sized" resort. The Freedom Paradise at Riviera Maya near Cancun has 112 rooms designed for the overweight and obese. Facilities include walk-in bathrooms, shower benches, armless furniture, and sturdy wooden sun beds.