PORTLAND -- More than one-third of all of children in the United States are overweight or obese, and a group of local doctors is calling on McDonald's to help be a part of solution.
The group, called Corporate Accountability International took out a full page ad in the Portland Tribune today, saying in bold print: "Stop marketing junk food to kids."
"Ronald McDonald is the 'Joe Camel' of the 21st century," said Dr. Mark Donohoe, "and material which is inherently deceptive to our young people buys customers from cradle to grave."
About 16,000 health professionals from around the country signed the open letter, including 50 from Portland. McDonald's spends $400 million a year marketing to children.
McDonald's unveiled a new Happy Meal in 2010 that cut more than 100 calories and half the fat. It also started offering apple slices instead of fries, but they come with caramel dipping sauce.
McDonald's refused to comment on the letter.
