Lawyers Claim Big Macs Make Kids Fat

Reuters / ABC ^

[RCW2001]

Lawyers File Class-Action Against McDonald's Claiming Its Burgers and Fries Are Making Kids Fat

The Associated Press

N E W   Y O R K, Nov. 21 — Are Big Macs hazardous to children's health?

Lawyers have filed a class-action lawsuit against McDonald's on behalf of New York children who have suffered health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

In federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday, a lawyer alleged that the fast-food chain has created a national epidemic of obese children. Samuel Hirsch argued that the high fat, sugar and cholesterol content of McDonald's food is "a very insipid, toxic kind of thing" when ingested regularly by young kids.

The plaintiffs include a Bronx teen who ate every meal at McDonald's for three years while living in a homeless shelter. Another is a 13-year-old boy from Staten Island who says he ate at McDonald's food three to four times a week and is now 5-foot-4 and 278 pounds.

McDonald's lawyer Brad Lerman insisted the lawsuit was a frivolous attempt to cash in on the Golden Arches, "the kind of lawsuit that shouldn't be in court."

"People don't go to sleep thin and wake up obese," Lerman said. "The understanding and comprehension of what hamburgers and french fries do has been with us for a long, long time."

McDonald's has asked Judge Robert Sweet to dismiss the case, arguing those who filed the claims cannot show their health woes were caused by Big Macs and insisting the company has never misled customers about its food. The judge did not immediately rule on the request.

[IncPen]

McDonald's makes lawyers wallets fat. Funny how none of them are concerned about that.

[Mamzelle]

McD's has been around since the sixties, but the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes began its big climb in the eighties. Turns out it was the low-fat craze that caused it. Sue the American Heart Association.

[kjam22]

Another is a 13-year-old boy from Staten Island who says he ate at McDonald's food three to four times a week and is now 5-foot-4 and 278 pounds.

I'd bet 10 bucks his parents weigh at least that much.

Hamburgers and fries don't make anybody fat. Eating them does. So blame the people eating them.

[JimVT]

Well then......if gun manufacturers can be sued when one of their products kills somebody....

I guess parents should be sued for providing their kids with Big Macs!

[Asclepius]

Its Burgers and Fries Are Making Kids Fat

Well, duh. And television makes them stupid and public schools make them pig ignorant. What's your point, oh wise and learned lawyers of this world?

If only someone would bring a class action suit against trial lawyers for plundering our industries and impoverishing any profession that involves any degree of risk (e.g. health care providers).

[cardinal4]

Does this mean I can sue Bill Clinton for the mental anguish he caused me during his 8 year occupation of the White House?

[Noslrac]

Eating lard might make you fat but no one is forcing you to eat it. People like this are looking for a quick buck, when they should get up and do a little exercise and eat something decent. They have these things called grocery stores. Buy a cook book and some groceries and have a decent meal. Leave McDonalds for when there is no other choice ...besides its cheaper to grow your own.

[NoamChimpsky]

I've heard eating pot brownies makes you stoned. Should I sue?

I drank a fifth of Vodka with a lemon twist and crashed my car into a tree. Should I sue Stoli or the lemon growers?

[valkyrieanne]

Sue the parents - they passed "big bones" on to their kids.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

...its Burgers and Fries Are Making Kids Fat

Well...duh.

Someone should sue the law schools who produce attorneys that make such moronic comments...

[aomagrat]

McDonald's has asked Judge Robert Sweet to dismiss the case, arguing those who filed the claims cannot show their health woes were caused by Big Macs and insisting the company has never misled customers about its food. The judge did not immediately rule on the request.

Holding out for the highest bidder.

[randita]

13 year old children do not have an income. They rely on parents to purchase things for them. All McD's lawyers need to do is point this out and ask the jury if they believe that parents who serve Oreos and Doritos at home should be responsible for the child's obesity. It's the same principle--the parents supply the funds which allow the fatty foods to be served to the kid.

The prosecuting lawyers would have a much better case with adult clients.

[Noslrac]

He is 278 lbs. He probably wasn't just getting a cheeseburger and a diet coke. More likely he was getting multiple big macs. so every meal every day of the week. He is spending at least 5 bucks a meal 3 times a day. 15 bucks (at the very least) every day. $5475 dollars a year for what 3 years? And this guy is homeless? Where does thi money come from?

[goldstategop]

Robert Sweet?? I think if I'm not mistaken, he's the same judge who told junkies to go kill themselves with government approved "clean needles."

[kjam22]

McDonald's has asked Judge Robert Sweet to dismiss the case, arguing those who filed the claims cannot show their health woes were caused by Big Macs and insisting the company has never misled customers about its food. The judge did not immediately rule on the request.

Holding out for the highest bidder.

So true.

[Noslrac]

A lawyer won't take a suit like that... He can't make millions that way!

[kjam22]

I think the 278 pounder is different than the homeless kid. But it's still a lot of money either way. And a LOT of fat grams.