McDonald’s Ordered to Pay Obese Manager

By Christopher Walker
Oct 29 2010

A Brazilian court ruled today that McDonald’s must pay the sum of $17,500 to a former franchise manager who became obese while working for them.

This is just the latest in a long series of lawsuits that have been filed against fast food restaurants since the obesity crisis started. However, this is the first time that any court has awarded a settlement in such a case.

The man, who has asked to remain nameless, claims that he felt obligated to sample the food in the store he managed on a daily basis. He said that this was done to ensure that the quality was up to the standards that are set down by the parent company.

Furthermore, he claims that the free employee meal program forced him to eat even more on a daily basis which would eventually lead to his obesity. He says that he gained 65 pounds while working for the fast food chain.

Now he wants money to deal with the various health problems that have sprung up thanks to his weight. The court agreed with him and has ordered the company to pay.

McDonald’s countered the claims saying that they offer plenty of healthy menu choices and that they do not require their employees to sample foods. They also said that the man had the option to eat elsewhere while working for the company but chose to eat at his location.

The court ruled that McDonald’s could appeal the decision if they desired.