The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted today to override Mayor Gavin Newsom’s veto of a city ban on toys being included in fast-food children’s meals that fail to meet health standards.
Newsom vetoed the ban earlier this month after it was passed by a veto-proof majority of 8-3. The veto was overturned by that same majority at today’s board meeting.
The legislation, sponsored by Supervisor Eric Mar, will prevent toys from being included in children’s meals that exceed 600 calories and lack fruit or vegetables.
McDonald’s, known for its kids’ Happy Meals, has been an outspoken opponent of the legislation.
Mar thanked his fellow supervisors for their support of his bill, which he said will “help counter child obesity.”
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said he is proud of the board for “pushing the envelope” with the legislation, which he said has spurred discussion nationwide on the issue of healthy fast-food options and what role local governments should have.
Newsom said when he announced his veto two weeks ago that the bill was an “unwise and unprecedented government intrusion into parental responsibilities and private choices.”
The legislation will go into effect in December 2011.
Dan McMenamin, Bay City News
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