Dairy Queen is the latest fast-food chain to remove soda from its children's menu, responding to calls from various organizations to help in promoting healthier eating habits for kids.
William Barrier, product development/quality executive vice president for Dairy Queen, sent a letter to Jessica Almy, senior nutrition policy counsel for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, to inform the organization that the company is addressing their request to remove soft drinks from DQ's kids' menu.
"The [Franchise Advisory Council] voted unanimously to remove soft drinks from our kids' menu. This change will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2015 when new menu board panels arrive at our franchise locations," Barrier wrote.
The change, however, will not go into effect until Sept. 1 when franchise locations receive new menu board panels. Barrier reiterated too that franchisees who don't receive point-of-purchase materials from Dairy Queen may choose not to follow the company's decision.
These are minor concerns though. CSPI is pleased with the company's decision, saying it deserves credit for responding to issues raised by parents who want to take advantage of kids' menus without having to do away with soda. With soda not the default option, ordering something off the children's menu automatically makes it a healthier option.
"That DQ's Franchise Advisory Council voted unanimously to adopt this policy shows the depth of the company's commitment," said Margo Wootan, nutrition policy director for CSPI.
Dairy Queen said it will be offering bottled water and milk instead.
Monifa Bandele, senior campaign director for MomsRising.org, said parents around the United States are rejoicing as restaurants move to address health concerns for children one by one. She added that while Dairy Queen now has better beverage choices, more restaurants have to follow suit, improving kids' meals by offering whole grain rolls, more fruits and vegetables and reducing levels of sodium across all menu items.
According to CSPI, children's menus are considered as a marketing form, used to shape expectations and eating patterns early on. For health reasons, children's menus should be the healthiest available, but this isn't the case usually. In fact, based on a 2013 analysis, 97 percent of choices in kids' menus are deemed unhealthy.
Dairy Queen is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Coca Cola's largest shareholder.
Photo: David Mulder | Flickr
