Hungary Eyes Menu Regs At Fast-Food Chains

Hungary’s state-run news service, MTI, reported June 10 that the country plans to demand fast-food restaurants cut the calorie and salt content of their food and drink offerings and may make them pay for public-health programs.

The government plans to target the world’s two largest hamburger chains, McDonald’s Corp. and Burger King Holdings, with regulations also focusing on sugar and fat content, according to the report, which cited Janos Lazar, leader of the ruling party’s parliamentary group.

In addition, the government wants to ban discounts and presents to children on meals which don’t meet health standards, MTI reported. The news service reported that Hodmezovasarhely, a town where Lazar is mayor, will only allow the opening of a new McDonald’s restaurant if the company pays at least 8 million forint ($44,000) into a public-health program informing children about the health risks of eating fast food. McDonald’s has more than 100 units in Hungary.