McDonald’s Will Bring a Low Calorie “Happy Meal” to Latin America

The most recognized fast food brand in the world, McDonald’s, announced today that its “Happy Meal” for children will contain fewer calories at its Latin America restaurants since October. The decision to create a less calorie menu is a “reaffirmation of its commitment to healthy lifestyles,” the restaurant chain said in a statement.The new “Happy Meal” contains less than 600 calories, less than a third of the daily intake value proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children aged 6 to 10 years. It will consist of four items, including a fresh fruit, which will vary according to season and special size fries that  are exclusive for children, with an average of 100 calories per serving (less than half of the previous version).

Also, the company has reduced the sodium in breads, “McNuggets” (breaded chicken sticks), cheese and ketchup by 10%. Furthermore, the amount of added sugar in the juice has been reduced by almost 40% (no more than 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters).

“With these innovations, the product happens to have a nutritional composition even more suitable to the needs of infant feeding: more vitamins and minerals, less sodium, sugar and calories, while maintaining the unmistakable flavor of the McDonald’s products,” the company said.

Adults will also be able to choose healthier options since October. They may replace the fries for green salad and tomatoes (less than 10 calories) with no dressing and will also be able to ask for bread, cheese and low-sodium ketchup.

(MS)

Source: EFE