McDonalds rejects blame for growing obesity levels

McDonalds has rejected the blame for growing levels of obesity in Ireland and elsewhere.

The US multinational has been widely cited as a cause of an obesity epidemic that is causing major concern in the western world.

Critics accuse the company of targeting children with advertising campaigns for unhealthy foods.

However, Cathy Kapica, the company's director of nutrition, insisted today that McDonalds food was not bad for either children or adults.

"Our food has calorie levels and fat levels that are appropriate even for children," she said. "The key is to make wise choices and keep it within energy balance."

Ms Kapica was speaking at the Irish launch of a booklet designed to dispel "myths" surrounding McDonalds food.