Shareholders Applaud McDonald's Move to List Calorie Information on Menus

Decision in advance of federal requirement seen as important step to help address obesity epidemic.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility commend McDonald's USA for its leadership of the fast food industry by proactively committing to post calorie information on all its menus. The move comes in advance of federal legislation as part of the health care bill that will require all restaurants with more than 20 locations to post calorie counts. With 14,000 locations nationwide, McDonald's decision acknowledges the growing public demand for nutritional information and is certain to create pressure for its peers in the fast food industry.

"The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility commends McDonald's for again showing leadership in the fast food industry.  Posting calorie counts on its menus is its latest
move in encouraging healthier options for customers while honoring individual choice," said Sr. Gwen Farry who leads the engagement for the coalition. "While we don't expect for things to change overnight, giving consumers the tools to help them make more informed choices is a significant step forward for the industry and a milestone in the fight against obesity."

McDonald's also announced that it would be adding several new healthy meal offerings to its menu including lower fat options for children in its Happy Meals as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables. "Given the serious health crisis our nation is facing in the obesity epidemic, McDonald's understands the need to evolve its business model," said Tom McCaney.  "We have been engaging McDonald's on these important issues for quite some time, and are gratified to see the company take this step towards a more responsible approach in both its offerings and marketing."

Laura Berry, ICCR's Executive Director said, "McDonald's decision to voluntarily disclose calorie counts ahead of potential legislation as well as its new, healthier product offerings is a terrific example of corporate responsibility and, we hope, a signal of further advancements to come."

Said Nadira Narine, ICCR Program Director for Strategic Initiatives, "Given the growing obesity epidemic, companies face a wide range of regulatory, reputational and legal risks. Those that proactively move towards healthier product offerings and are transparent on labeling and marketing of those offerings will be much more successful.  We hope other companies will follow McDonald's lead and support consumers' right to know what they are purchasing and consuming before they are obligated to do so by law."

About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR):

Currently celebrating its 41^st year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of active shareholders who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change.  Its 300 member organizations with over $100 billion in AUM have an enduring record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on policies promoting justice and sustainability in the world.

SOURCE Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility