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US fast-food giant McDonald's Corp announced on Wednesday that it plans to discontinue its "super-size" fries and drinks by the end of 2004.
Under incessant pressure to change over to a "healthier" menu amid growing concern over the obesity epidemic that's sweeping the US, McDonald's said that it would phase out the jumbo servings as it moves to a "core menu" that provides consumers "with a range of choices that support a balanced lifestyle."
The move is part of its campaign "Eat Smart, Be Active" launched last year to revive its sagging sale.
The burger chain has already overhauled its menu by introducing salads, changing the 20-year-old recipe for its Chicken McNuggets to cut calories and fat, and trading the oil it cooks its fries in for one lower in saturated fats.
It has also started providing options for yogurt and fruits with meals and introduced fruit and milk meal for children.
It is working with nutritionists to educate health conscious customers about what McDonald's menu items they can eat.
According to media reports, McDonald's is also planning to roll out an adult version of Happy Meal, which will include water, salad and exercise book produced by Oprah Winfrey's trainer, Bob Greene.
McDonald's opened its first restaurant on April, 15 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. Today it is the world's largest food service system with more than 30,000 restaurants in 100 countries, serving more than 46 million customers every day.
McDonald's India opened its doors in October 1996 and has outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Noida Faridabad, Doraha, Manesar and Gurgaon.