McDonalds Takes the Blame for Obesity - Essay Example

Experts blame the adverts targeting children to be responsible for causing obesity. The most relevant concepts in the case against first food joints are their marketing policies. Perhaps the aim is to cripple the allure junk food produces through adverts that are particularly appealing to children. However, Ronald McDonald in the same light as Joe Camel is a bit of a stretch. Attacking the marketing strategies of business entities to me amounts to clutching at a straw. Some rules govern the world of production and marketing. In a situation where a product has production rights, the production company has the right to market it.
Because of the above sentiments, McDonald's should consider rebranding its image but not exclude Ronald McDonald. Marketers, especially in France argue that positive ad inclusions such as, “eat fruits daily, exercise, and drink a lot of water” appeal more to customers than severe health warnings. For instance the caption, “cigarette smoking is harmful to your health, did not reduce the number of smokers in Europe or America. Therefore, adding health messages as proposed by the French is a constructive move. When McDonald's includes the health messages in its ads it will go a step further to include healthy substitutes in its menu. Negative publicity led to a drop in sales in McDonald’s. This caused McDonald's to add healthy food to their menus such as porridge and salad. The move led to a 90% positive turnaround in sales. It should be noted that the increased sales result from the consumption of “non-healthy” foods such as burgers and fries.
Some European nations in their fight against obesity push for a ban on fast food advertisements that target children. However, it is imperative to note that advertisements not directed to children may still influence them. In a situation, where bans on advertising directly to children are in place such as in Norway, the food companies will still advertise for adults. Nevertheless, the bans are crucial because they eliminate at least one influence of obesity. Conforming to the ban is also a positive marketing strategy for McDonald’s.