Want fries with that? Why not a salad instead, McDonald's says

Hold the fries, pass the salad. McDonald’s said on Thursday it would offer healthy options as part of its popular value meals, letting customers choose a side salad, fruit or vegetables instead of french fries.

The announcement by the world’s largest fast-food chain comes as more companies respond to government and consumer pressure to address the global obesity epidemic.

McDonald’s, which often bears the brunt of criticism of the restaurant industry’s penchant for tempting diners with indulgent and often high-calorie food, said it would offer the option in all of its 20 major global markets by 2020.

The firm also vowed to promote and market only water, milk and juice as the beverages in its popular Happy Meals for children as part of its announcement at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York.

Waist sizes around the world are increasing, setting off alarms in public health circles.

In recent years, the US food industry has begun yielding to pressure from government, parents and consumers seeking to slim down adults and children. Sugary sodas have been yanked from public schools; sugar, sodium and calorie levels have been reduced in products; and calorie counts have been posted on some restaurant menus.