SF Proposal Would Ban Toys in Kids' Meals

In case you haven't heard by now, fast food is generally a fast way to become unhealthy. That's why lawmakers in San Francisco are looking to steer kids away from the habit of eating fatty fast-food meals by targeting the toys that make the meals so appetizing.

The law proposed Tuesday pertains to all restaurants, but it is clearly aimed at fast-food establishments like McDonald's, Jack in the Box and Burger King that include toys in kid meals. The proposal would ban toys if the food contains too much fat, sugar or salt.   

Earlier this year, Santa Clara County adopted a similar law in unincorporated areas. That law went into effect Monday.

Supervisor Eric Mar, who proposed the San Francisco law, says the legislation is designed to encourage restaurants to offer healthy food options with kid meals.

Under the proposal, an entire meal could have no more than 600 calories; a single item could contain no more than 200 calories or 480 miligrams of sodium. It also dictates that meals with toys include fruit and vegetables.

The propopsal is obviously not sitting well with the restaurant industry.

"Toy bans are only proven to disappoint kids, frustrate parents and generate headlines for ambitious politicians," said Daniel Conway, director of public affairs for the California Restaurant Association.