Lawsuit fear looms over McDonalds over Happy Meal toys

McDonald's , the world's largest fast food joint, is in trouble for using toys as giveaways to promote its Happy Meal segment.

The Centre for Science in the Public Interest contends that McDonald's is using deceptive marketing tactics to induce kids to consume food with high calories, fat and salt by giving away toys with meals.

It says it plans to sue the fast food giant if it  does not stop using toys as an inducement within a month and has already warned McDonald's of its intention to do so.

McDonald's latest marketing venture is merchandise fashioned over chararcters of the movie Shrek Forever After.

Stephen Gardner, the centre's litigation director, said, "McDonald's is the stranger in the playground handing out candy to children.''

It claims McDonald's marketing practices go against consumer protection laws in Massachusetts, Texas, California, New Jersey, and the Washington federal district.