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News Release

STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Secretary of Health And Human Services
On McDonalds and Burger King's Introduction of Menu Items with Less Fat

The recent introduction by McDonalds (Chicken McNuggets) and Burger King (Grilled chicken sandwich) of lower fat menu items is a step in the right direction of providing consumers with less fat. While a good step, they should continue to look at opportunities to provide additional choices for consumers.

HHS has made fighting obesity a key part of our disease prevention and health promotion -- Steps to a HealthierUS -- agenda and has been working with fast food companies and food manufacturers to take positive steps toward helping Americans make healthier choices in their diets. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States -- 64 percent of adults are overweight and obese with the total cost estimated to be $117 billion annually.

McDonalds and Burger King are to be commended for their actions and we look forward to continuing to work with them and others to do more in the fight to reduce obesity and create a healthier America.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: October 8, 2003