David Paul Morris/Getty Images

A photo illustration of a Happy Meal at McDonald's in San Francisco, California.

There is perhaps no greater symbol for American cuisine, and all of the good and bad that goes along with it, than the Golden Arches of McDonalds. The Happy Meal wars started years ago, when health and nutrition advocates targeted McDonalds for their aggressive marketing to kids and the connection between childhood obesity and the cheeseburger, fries and cheap toys that come in each friendly-looking child’s meal. San Francisco and Santa Clara counties banned the sale of Happy Meals, New York City and even Nebraska considered bans. McDonalds and other fast food chains fought back, pushing legislation that would restrict how local governments could regulate restaurant food. The latest shot comes from public health advocates who are pressuring McDonalds to stop using Ronald McDonald as their mascot. Who should exercise the ultimate control over whether you or your child can eat a Happy Meal?

Guests:

Deborah Lapidus, Value [the] Meal campaign director, Corporate Accountability International

J. Justin Wilson, senior research analyst at the Center for Consumer Freedom