Fatty foods warning signs wanted

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 18 (UPI) -- A Virginia man instrumental in getting tobacco ads dumped from TV is focusing on what he calls the addictive quality of fast food.

John Banzhaf III of George Washington University is sending certified letters to the six major fast-food chains -- McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut -- as a first step in a lawsuit. He wants the chains to post signs in all restaurants saying fatty foods cause addiction-like reactions.

Banzhaf cites an article in the February issue of New Scientist magazine on rats that suggests gorging on fat or sugar can cause brain changes often associated with addictive drugs.

"The study proves nothing more than rats like cheese, it has nothing to do with addiction," says Steven Grover, health chief at the National Restaurant Association.

McDonald's spokeswoman Anna Rozenich told USA Today: "The whole premise is ridiculous and fuels disinformation about a very important subject."