In remarks made on Monday night the eve of 5 Nissan by Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, he stated Israel does not need fast food and junk food, signaling out McDonalds by name. A McDonalds spokesperson fears the chareidi minister singled out the company because it operates on Shabbos.

The spokesperson’s statements highlights how the company has taken major steps towards serving a healthier menu during the last decade.

Speaking to a cardiology convention, Litzman told participants “We do not need to eat junk food – McDonalds out, not in our country” Channel 10 News quotes him as saying.

The minister explained “We must educate our children not to eat fast food. I know people do not like when I say this and that large companies do not like it but I have a secret for them – I don’t have [any concerns regarding] primaries”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)