McDonald's bites back with healthier range for kids
McDonald's, in the firing line recently over health claims, has introduced vitamin-enriched children's snacks in its US restaurants.
In what is believed to be a first for the burger giant, the snacks will be co-branded and packaged with Ronald McDonald graphics.
They are: Dannon Danimals drinkable yogurt; General Mills' Go-Gurt yogurt; and Fruit Roll-ups fruit snacks.
Ann Rusniak, registered dietitian with McDonald's, called the snacks "an excellent nutrient package" for youngsters, claiming they provided calcium and vitamin C.
The move follows steps by McDonald's to improve its health image after a row over claims it misled customers by marketing French fries and hash browns made with beef flavouring as "vegetarian". As part of a settlement last month, McDonald's paid $10m (£6.35m) and issued a public apology to Hindu and vegetarian groups in the USA.
It also created a panel of experts in consumer dietary practices, and has made information available in stores and on its Web site about the sources of ingredients.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 25 - 31 July 2002