Show Entire Article
McDonald's is a sponsor for the London Olympics—and a British doctors' group says that's sending the wrong message in a country with ballooning obesity.
Big Macs, fries and milkshakes will be part of McDonald's exclusively branded menu at the Olympics and the fast-food giant will soon be opening its largest franchise in the world, a two-story cathedral-like restaurant that seats 1,500 customers, at London's Olympic Park. McDonald's will be the only restaurateur allowed to sell brand-name food at the games and there will also be a separate McDonald's within the athletes' village—in addition to three others at the Olympic Park.
Alongside McDonald's , Coca-Cola has the exclusive right to sell non-alcoholic drinks at Olympic venues. Heineken has been named the games' official beer.
"It's very sad that an event that celebrates the very best of athletic achievements should be sponsored by companies contributing to the obesity problem and unhealthy habits," said Terence Stephenson, a spokesman for the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges. The group is calling upon the British government to restrict advertising by McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Heineken during the Olympic Games , which are being held in London from July 27 to Aug.12.
But that's unlikely to happen. London Olympic organizers have defended their decision to accept McDonald's sponsorshipas a business deal.
Page 1 of 3 | Next PageShow Entire Article
CCE News & Analysis
DATA IS REAL-TIME EXCEPT NOTED WITH *
* DATA DELAYED AT LEAST 15 MINUTES