San Francisco has reaffirmed its support for a measure that bans fast-food chains in the Californian city from offering free toys with the unhealthy happy meals, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday. The city's Board of Supervisors had initially approved the legislation last week. It would allow child-friendly gifts only in meals with reduced sodium, fat and sugar content that also include fruits and vegetables. “We expect our children to be healthy, but by feeding them all this kind of food is counterproductive and is creating overweight and unhealthy Americans,” said Heidi Jamison, a San Francisco-based nutritionist. The measure, which is to go into effect in December next year, is designed to combat childhood obesity. It is the first of its kind in a major United States city. Despite the optimism, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom pledged to veto the proposal. “Parents, not politicians, should decide what their children eat,” he was quoted as saying by the Chronicle. However, there appears to be enough support for the legislation on the Board of Supervisors to override the veto. Supervisor Eric Mar, the measure's chief sponsor, called it “a simple and modest policy that holds fast-food (businesses) accountable.” McDonald's, which offers children's toys with its Happy Meals, said it was disappointed at the decision, saying that it does not reflect its clients' wishes. “But it reflects health consciousness and better living because it is not right to teach children to eat this kind of food,” added Jamison.
