Steven C. Anderson, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) has slammed a recent lawsuit filed by a New York City lawyer on behalf of an obese man who believes fastfood chains owe him compensation as “frivolous”.

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The case, which was filed by maintenance worker Caesar Barber and others against McDonald’s, KFC Corp, Burger King and Wendy’s, rests on the assumption that fastfood outlets should take responsibility for encouraging unhealthy eating habits in the same way that tobacco companies 


“This sort of action gives frivolous a bad name. It is senseless, baseless and ridiculous to compare food to anything addictive,” said Anderson.


“Restaurants have a wide variety of choices on their menus, and people make the choice to eat what they want and when they want every day. This is all about personal responsibility and moderation. And eating smart and staying fit are the keys to a healthy lifestyle.


“Obviously, the lawsuit is a blatant attempt to capitalise on the recent publicity and news stories on the growing rates of obesity, and this type of improper litigation is a clear abuse of our judicial system.”

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