In order to include a toy with purchase, these new, unhappier meals must meet a checklist of nutritional requirements (PDF):
• The meal can't exceed 600 calories
• Less than 35 percent of the calories can come from fat (nuts, nut butters, low-fat cheese excepted)
• It's required to have a half cup of vegetables
• Breakfast meals are required to have a half cup of fruit
• Sodium limits
• A multigrain requirement
Does that sound like a happy meal you've ever eaten? This is a blow to happy meal toy enthusiasts everywhere. While happy meal toys have been getting crappier over the years, bans like these will surely hasten their decline as a mass cultural form. Inside the cardboard walls of a happy meal box, soaked in grease, is where I got my first wind-up car, an army of tiny robots and sweet transforming figures. No more."
McDonald's(R) Announces Legendary Return of the McRib(R) Nationwide: "Today, for the first time since 1994, McDonald's McRib sandwich is available in all participating McDonald's restaurants nationwide until November 22. The McRib, a boneless pork patty dressed with fresh-slivered onions, dill pickle slices, tangy barbeque sauce and served on a toasted, golden-brown home-style bun, is known among customers for surfacing on select local menus for limited periods of time.
Since its introduction nearly 30 years ago, the combination of McRib sandwich's signature barbeque sauce and obscure availability has led customers to perform extraordinary feats for a taste of the elusive sandwich.
'McDonald's McRib sandwich is truly an iconic product -- and for many of our customers it's more than just a sandwich, it's an experience,' said Neil Golden, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's USA. 'The enthusiasm and passion of McRib fans has helped propel a distinctive sandwich to a legendary status.'"
