OAK BROOK, Ill., March 3 (UPI) -- McDonald's says it will phase out super-size items at its more than 13,600 restaurants in the United States by the end of the year.
The world's largest fast-food chain has been criticized for offering the giant-sized portions of French fries and sugared drinks by nutritionists who say the company based in Oak Brook, Ill., promotes an unhealthy diet.
With nearly 40 percent of Americans now considered overweight, McDonald's will keep the usual Big Mac sandwiches, hamburgers and fries but will offer consumers healthier fare on a simpler menu featuring more salads, yogurt and sliced fruit, and an adult version of a Happy Meal with water and fruit.
McDonald's will still sell large fries and offer super-size drinks as special promotions.
"This has as much to do with operations as it does with emphasizing a balanced diet," a company spokesman told the Chicago Tribune.
