Scarlett
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Ban McDonalds? - 27/02/07 15:10
Burger Off! Charles Wants Big Mac Ban Tuesday February 27, 11:44 AM
Prince Charles has suggested banning McDonald's is the key to improving children's eating habits. He targeted the fast food chain as he attended the launch of a public health awareness campaign aimed at fighting diabetes. A McDonald's spokeswoman said Charles's remark was "disappointing".
The Prince is in the United Arab Emirates with the Duchess of Cornwall.
On a visit to the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi he appeared to suggest to a nutritionist that banning
McDonald's was the "key".
The Prince is a keen advocate of organic food. In 1986 he set up a farm on his Highgrove Estate that does not use artificial pesticides or fertilisers.
He and Camilla watched a group of young children chose from a selection of "good" and "bad" snacks for their school packed lunch boxes.
The royal couple laughed when they all picked up the bottles of water and tiny bags containing fruit and vegetables but left behind the chocolate and crisps.
The UAE has the second highest prevalence of diabetes in the world with more than 20% of those aged 20 to 79 already diagnosed with the illness.
The Prince chatted to nutritionist Nadine Tayara from the centre, who had put the children through their paces.
He asked her: "Have you got anywhere with McDonald's, have you tried getting it banned? That's the key."
Encouraging pupils to eat sensibly is one of the initiatives of the campaign - Diabetes Knowledge Action - and it is hoped UAE youngsters will pass their healthy eating habits on to their families.
A spokeswoman at Clarence House said Prince Charles was keen to promote the healthy eating of the widest variety of foods.
McDonald's said other members of the Royal family had visited the chain and "have probably got a more up-to-date picture of us."
The spokeswoman added: "This appears to be an off-the-cuff remark, in our opinion.
"It does not reflect our menu or where we are as a business."
Charles was clearly unaware of some of the moves the company has made, she said, such as improved labelling, supporting sustainable agriculture and nutritional changes with choice and variety.
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