US: A law suit filed against McDonald's on behalf of eight obese New York children is threatening to unleash a wave of class actions similar to those that have won huge payouts from the tobacco industry.
The suit brought by lawyer Mr Samuel Hirsch was heard on Wednesday in a Manhattan federal court - the first time such a case has appeared before a US judge.
The suit charges McDonald's with responsibility for the obesity of the eight plaintiffs, saying the fast food giant did not provide against the necessary health risks associated with its meals.
Lawyers acting for the hamburger chain filed a motion for dismissal, arguing that the issue was one of individual choice and therefore there was no case to answer.
"Every responsible person understands what is in products such as hamburgers and fries, as well as the consequences to one's waistline," the motion said. - (AFP)