Good Nutrition is for the Little People

Leroy G. Comrie Jr. is a member of the New York City Council, a Democrat representing a district in Queens. On Tuesday, the New York Times reported:

Captain Cold and the Littlest Pet Shop toys may have met their match in Leroy G. Comrie Jr.

Mr. Comrie, a member of the City Council, wants such toys, found in McDonald’s Happy Meals, to be banned from their bright cardboard boxes if the meals’ high content of fat, salt and sugar is not reduced. While Happy Meal treats might seem to be the prime target, Mr. Comrie is taking aim at any fast-food meals that include toys to appeal to children.

Mr. Comrie’s bill, which he is to introduce in the City Council on Wednesday, would restrict toys to meals that contain fewer than 500 calories and 600 milligrams of sodium, and in which less than 35 percent of the calories come from fat (making exceptions for nuts, seeds, peanut butter or other nut-based butters). In addition, the meal would have to contain a half a cup of fruit or vegetables or one serving of whole-grain products.

The proposal resembles a measure adopted in San Francisco last year, over the strenuous lobbying of fast-food chains, to remove toys from all fast-food meals that do not comply with healthier nutritional standards. Mr. Comrie’s proposal would impose stricter caloric and sodium standards than San Francisco’s rules, which call for fewer than 600 calories and 640 milligrams of sodium.

Mr. Comrie, a Democrat from Queens, said, “I think it’s important to find a way to make a healthy lifestyle palatable and exciting.”

Here is a photograph of Councilman Comrie:

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