McDonald's: "We Do Not Tolerate Food Being Left or Wasted" - 3-Day Purchase Limit on Happy Meal "Pokémon"

2025年08月15日 00:10

1. Underlying Issue

McDonald's Happy Meal is a popular product for children that combines "toys" and "meals." Especially when collaborations with famous characters like Pokémon and Disney are launched, long lines form from the first day of sales, and it becomes a hot topic on social media. However, on the other hand, the phenomenon of adults purchasing with the sole purpose of obtaining the **"toys"** has increased, leading to the food portion being neglected, which has become a social issue.

Such behavior is strongly criticized from the perspective of food waste, with voices saying, "It's a product for children, yet food is wasted for the purpose of adult resale, which is wrong." In recent years, resales on flea market apps like Mercari have surged, and rare toys are often bought and sold at high prices.

2. McDonald's New Measures

The newly announced rule focuses on "setting a purchase limit for three days." This measure is intended to prevent bulk buying in a short period from the start of sales, limiting the number of purchases within the period. Specifically, by curbing large purchases by the same individual, the aim is to distribute the products to more children.

Furthermore, in an official statement, McDonald's emphasized,
"We do not sell toys without accompanying food, and we ask that food be treated with care."
This is not merely a commercial restriction but highlights a "social responsibility not to waste food."

3. Social Reaction

A significant debate has already erupted on social media.

"Finally, they took action. It's sad that a product for children is being exploited by resellers."
"It's a waste to throw away food. The purchase limit is the right decision,"
some voices praise, while
"Will the restrictions really work?"
"Won't it be meaningless if people go around multiple stores?"

such concerns are also being raised.
Additionally, Japan's food waste issue is gaining international attention, and from a global sustainability perspective, this initiative is considered significant.

4. Future Prospects

McDonald's has hinted at the possibility of reviewing sales methods for popular character collaboration products in the future. For example, they might consider **"separating the sale of food and toys" or implementing a "lottery system online."**

Such initiatives not only prevent resales and bulk buying but also contribute to creating an environment where children can safely enjoy the products. Above all, it is expected to serve as an opportunity to spread the culture of "not wasting food."

5. Points for Foreign Readers

This news is also important for foreigners living in Japan and tourists. While McDonald's is a global brand, the Japanese market has a "unique culture surrounding toy-included sets."

In Japan, character popularity is particularly high, leading many to purchase for the goods
However, "acts of wasting food" are strongly criticized socially
McDonald's is advancing food waste countermeasures as part of its corporate responsibility

Understanding this background allows one to grasp the Japanese society's values towards "food" and its high awareness of sustainability.

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