
McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) has done much to bolster its reputation in the wake of media scandals led by the hit documentary 'Supersize Me.' It has launched wellness initiatives and created healthier menu options. The stock price has responded. But now supersized sodas are back, with a 42-ounce drink the company is calling "Hugo." The New York Times calls it "Tubbo" which, at over 400-calories for a regular soda, seems appropriate.
The company defends the product by saying that super-sized sodas are back by popular demand and that people are thirstier during the summer. But here's why I'm not buying it: Any doctor would tell you that drinking 42-ounces of soda is extremely unhealthy, and it's wrong for a company to market a product that is, by definition, unhealthy for anyone.
The Times also points out that "Making matters worse, Hugo ads are available in several languages, making sure that minorities -- who are disproportionately affected by the obesity epidemic -- are aware of the budget beverage."
A few months ago, I wrote about "Hungry-Man's thousand-calorie breakfast, which contains 231 percent of the recommended daily value for cholesterol in one serving. So the recommendation is that you consumer 2.3 times as much cholesterol at breakfast as you should during that entire day. No one should eat this product, and companies shouldn't market products that are by definition bad for you."
The same applies to McDonald's. It's socially irresponsible to sell a product that is hazardous to people's health in the serving size it is marketed at.
Why Facebook's Falling Share Price Really Doesn't Matter
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan: A Romantic Facebook Timeline


Reader Comments (Page 2 of 22)
7-31-2007 @ 8:32PM
garrett said...
Good grief, if they don't want it ,don't order it, these nazi food police need to take their agenda back home.
7-31-2007 @ 8:36PM
dw4crew said...
Thank you for making me pay for two diet soda's that are basically no calories instead of one at a great consumer price savings. As if the government is charging enough on gas for my car, now you want me to pay more for my soda's. What's next?
7-31-2007 @ 8:36PM
tigeris said...
this comment is to beansprout who knows nothing about starbucks at all and probably cant afford to go there either. Keep your mouth shut.
8-01-2007 @ 4:53PM
Jacob said...
This is absurd. Americans, I being one, are forever shifting the blame. I'm fat because of McDonald's, they say. Not because I sit on my rear watching TV, swilling coke from the bucket, and stuffing my face with lard-coated french fries.
7-31-2007 @ 8:42PM
Jennifer said...
Many of you seem to believe that the government has no right to regulate products (gargantuan sodas, cigarettes, liquor, etc.) that have been linked to health hazards.
Obesity is the fastest growing health hazard in the U.S. and preventable complications arising from it are rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of death.
If you choose to eat foods that contain more cholesterol, calories, or sodium than you should ingest in a single day, you should NOT expect me as a taxpayer to pick up your hospital tabs when you end up with diabetes or a heart attack!!
7-31-2007 @ 8:43PM
Missy said...
I have the ice tea w/ lemon wedges. No sugar or sweeteners. No problem.
7-31-2007 @ 8:38PM
Donald said...
They need to get a grip and stop blaming MC D's for people being fat its not thier fault. I'm glad that thier big soda's are back. Good For MC D's
8-02-2007 @ 6:05PM
Niki said...
Okay, here is my issue with this whole thing.. If you are so concerned with your health, then what the heck are you doing at McDonalds?! It is not McDonalds responsibility to monitor your eating habits, it yours! This is just one more way that the American public is trying to make someone else responsible for their actions. It makes me sick! I know that if I go eat fast food or drink sodas that I am loading up on fat, calories, and all sorts of crap thats bad for me. I choose not care, it is each persons individual responsibility to take care of themselves. So McD's, bring on the Hugo... I know what I'm getting myself into.
7-31-2007 @ 9:14PM
lulufroggie75 said...
Ronald Mc Donald is definitely going to hell for this one.
7-31-2007 @ 8:47PM
nicolette stepro said...
its about time
how dare anyone cave to the nazis who want to limit people's choices or prescribe behaviour
7-31-2007 @ 9:07PM
Catmehitable said...
I'M glad we are finally being told what we are drinking and putting into our bodies. I heard of a man who almost lived off soft drinks - drank them constantly all day long - the Big litter sizes - and he almost died because his body got no nurishment.
Anyways, soft drinks do not quinch thirst - they only make you more thirsty. Water is what the body needs and craves when thirsty.
7-31-2007 @ 8:50PM
chloe said...
Who says you have to get caffienated, carbonated soda?
7-31-2007 @ 9:06PM
Freewill57 said...
In our country, the land of freedom, we have free choice in all things legal. Why is everyone so willing to give up their freedoms? If you dont want it, dont buy it.
7-31-2007 @ 8:50PM
Les said...
What is wrong with a 42 ounce drink at McDonalds? anyone should know if the cup is filled with ice,you probably won't get more than 10-15 ounces !! Think
7-31-2007 @ 9:20PM
aztekee said...
Once you remove the Ice, you end up with a 12 oz drink
7-31-2007 @ 9:07PM
Vicki O said...
I like super Sized unsweet tea with lemon. Is that bad for me. If you get a medium and get five refills you might as well get a big drink. What's the big damn deal. I say give the public what they want.
7-31-2007 @ 9:06PM
andrusdt said...
Ever hear of DIET soda? May not be good for you but it's low on calories.
7-31-2007 @ 8:58PM
Phyllis said...
I am an adult, once in a blue moon I need a little extra food, because i missed a meal. I know when I am hungry, but I also know what foods like this can do to me, but i have control. I am far from being overweight and I am mad I can't super size it when I'm really am hungry. I weight 124, 5'3 , 4 kids- one 6 months ago~ so why can't I Super~Size ? It's my choice and shouldn't have to say no~ ps done the whole buy an extra small fry- its actually alot more food wise if you buy one large fry and an extra small fry to make up the size difference ~more then one supersize fry. So did the taking of the supersize resolve it- or make it worse for people who have to have more but really can't afford (healthwise) to get two fries and an extra burger?
7-31-2007 @ 9:06PM
CHRIS said...
Eventhough they claim and sell it as a 42 oz. beverage its really only about a 20-24 oz. beverage because they always load it with ice and leave the top inch of beverage out. Even when ordering it with light ice it still is only about a 28-30 oz. And if its socially irresponsible to sell anything that is bad for anyone then there would be no businesses in existance anymore due to the fact that NOTHING is good for us anymore. LOL
7-31-2007 @ 9:06PM
krystal Rose said...
me and my mum share the mcd's big soda and dad and bro share there.
2 soda's for 4 people.
better then the reg price.
and besides i don't like pop that much i rather drink tea r jucie.
let other pepole have there chice and leave them alone!!
i already have enough people telling me what to do!!!