McDonald's Commits to Better Nutrition

SN STAFF

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's USA officials Tuesday announced the company’s “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices,” which aim to help families and children “make nutrition-minded choices whether visiting McDonald's or eating elsewhere,” according to a release.

Specifically, McDonald's will now automatically include a fruit, vegetable or low-fat dairy option in every Happy Meal, and promote options that meet the Council of Better Business Bureau's Food Pledge Nutrition Standards by the first quarter of 2012. These measures will result in an estimated 20% reduction in calories of the most popular Happy Meals, and will also reduce fat in the meals, according to the company.

By 2020, McDonald’s will reduce added sugars, saturated fat and calories via product reformulations, innovations and changes to portion sizes. The company has also committed to cutting sodium an average of 15% across its menu by 2015.

The commitments also include a promise to increase access to nutrition information by expanding in-restaurant, website and mobile communications with customers and employees.

“McDonald's will always try to do the right thing, and we know we can help make a difference in our communities,” Jan Fields, president of McDonald’s USA, said in a release. "The commitments we’re announcing today will guide the future evolution of our menu and marketing.”