How healthy is McDonald's?

Published on Sunday 27 May 2007 00:44

THE decision by Innocent to sell children's smoothies for a trial period in McDonald's has stirred up a flurry of debate by eco-bloggers, much of it in defence of the multinational food giant.

"The more you look at McDonald's, the better it gets," writes one at www.greenormal.blogspot.com. "Yes, they make fast food. And fast food is fatty and salty. If you eat too much of it too often for too many years, without exercising, it will make you fat and could lead to heart and other serious health problems. But all of the above is true of a Prt a Manger coronation chicken sandwich."

People should stop being so hypocritical, according to Amelia (www.ameliatorode.typepad.com). "I wonder if there is an element of middle-class snobbery occurring? Kind of a double standard - after all it's fine for Innocent smoothies to be stocked in Shell petrol stations, Tesco or Starbucks."

What's more, McDonald's has changed. According to Greenpeace, the brand has radically revised its policies over the last five years. From being Greenpeace's number-one enemy, it has become their number-one global partner in reducing deforestation in the Amazon.

Finally, let's not overlook the fact that 90% of children in the UK are not getting their recommended daily intake of fruit. If McDonald's customers end up buying Innocent smoothies with their Happy Meals, who's to argue?