Health group sues McDonald's over Happy Meal toys

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A California mother of two and The Center for Science in the Public Interest are suing McDonald's Corp. to get the fast-food chain to stop using toys to market meals to young children.

They say McDonald's is violating several consumer-protection laws by marketing its Happy Meals directly to young children because it exploits children's vulnerability.

"What kids see as a fun toy, I now realize is a sophisticated, high-tech marketing scheme that's designed to put McDonald's between me and my daughters," said Monet Parham, of Sacramento, Calif. "For the sake of other parents and their children, I want McDonald's to stop interfering with my family."

Parham's lawyers, who filed the lawsuit in state court in San Francisco today, have asked that it be certified as a class action. The lawsuit doesn't seek damages; it asks the court to bar McDonald's from advertising any meals that feature toys to California children.

McDonald's said it is proud of its Happy Meals and intends to vigorously defend its brand, reputation and food.