Well meaning, but misguided. That was the consensus in an April 2010 discussion on RetailWire about a proposal by one California town to ban fast feeders from including toys in meals marketed to kids. A poll with the same story found that 67 percent didn't think a ban would lead parents to make healthier food choices for their children.
Now comes news that Jack in the Box is pulling toys from its kids' meals in Los Angeles, no ordinances required.
"Parents were generally not choosing Jack in the Box as a dining destination because of a toy," Brian Luscomb, a spokesperson for the chain, told The Orange County Register. "We've offered Kids Meals as a convenience for parents, but rather than promote a toy we've focused on the quality of products in our Kids Meals."
Jack in the Box's action drew praise from consumer health advocates.
"It's terrific that Jack in the Box has taken this step," Margo Wootan, nutrition policy director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told Reuters. "It's really a monumental step that I hope their competitors will emulate."