McDonalds is launching its newest promo burger--the World Cup Burger--as a tie-in to the FIFA World Cup (it's a sponsor). Forget that I'm a vegetarian; that has nothing to do with my objections. The Murder Burger clocks in at almost 700 calories (this is, of course, not including the fries and sugar soda that will accompany it), and who even knows how much fat. It is disgusting.

Okay, I'm not saying that McDonalds is responsible for our health. No no, I realize that we are all in control of our own waistlines. What we choose to put in our mouths is our own business and a choice we all actively make. Here's my problem: the World Cup should be a celebration of health and physical well-being. The soccer players (footballers, if you must) are HEALTHY. They [probably] eat well and they're in prime physical condition.

So why does McDonalds have to promote gluttony in conjunction with a sporting event? How about a healthy (healthier?) burger? I won't go so far as to suggest a grilled chicken sandwich, but do they really need to make a sandwich that is 40% larger than the Big Mac? And if McDonalds really must create a bigger burger, they should--at the very least--refrain from inferring that this burger has anything to do with healthy living and athletics.

I'm done now; I have nothing more to say. So I'll just leave you with some of their marketing dribble (feel free to roll your eyes):

"[The promotion] is designed to offer [soccer] fans a little bit more of what they love during the tournament... It is a limited-edition offer, so something a bit special for Big Mac fans in the U.K."

The Murder Burger "fits with our marketing strategy around World Cup, which is focused on bringing the excitement of the tournament to life for fans in our restaurants."

"Everybody loves a burger and there is nothing wrong with that... It's time to be proud, to say 'We're a good burger company'."
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Posted by: Michael at October 9, 2006 01:21 PM