America's fast food industry breathed a sigh of relief last month when a judge kicked out a lawsuit claiming McDonald's should be held responsible for the obesity of hamburger fans.

The landmark case was the first of its kind to reach a courtroom and was being watched with trepidation by the industry. McDonald's said the case would lead to 'an avalanche of litigation' if it were allowed to proceed, similar to that faced by tobacco companies.

According to a BBC report, Judge Robert Sweet ruled 'It is not the place of the law to protect them [consumers] against their own excesses'. Details: www.mcdonalds.com