In Court

Mcdonald's in danger: The US 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York ruled on January 25, 2005, that the two teenagers who had filed a case against fast food giant McDonald's Corporation (Illinois) in 2003, blaming it for their obesity, were entitled to move forward with the lawsuit. The decision overrules the decision of US district judge Robert Sweet, who dismissed the case in 2004. The teenagers can now demand secret company documents on food preparation and advertising.

The teenagers had alleged that McDonald's deliberately hid the health risks associated with its food. But the court had ruled against them because the link between the food and obesity could not be established. Now, the new verdict will let them take the case forward on their claim of deceptive advertising. McDonald's says there is no proof the two saw its advertisements (see Down To Earth, 'Fat chance', May 15, 2004, p 26).