020828 Nutrition Watchdog Praises Burger King, McDonald's

Washington (Reuters) - The Center for Science in the Public Interest, the nutrition watchdog that takes aim at excess fat and calories, announced some unexpected allies: Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's and Subway.

In a list of best and worst fast foods, the center praised Burger King's Chicken Whopper Jr. for its taste and as "the only way to get a normal-sized sandwich these days." The junior has 350 calories compared to 580 calories for a regular Chicken Whopper, and unlike its competition "actually tastes grilled," the center said.

Burger King, a unit of British drinks company Diageo Plc, also won kudos for its meatless BK Veggie Burger, which had 350 calories, less than just about any hamburger at any chain, the center said.

It raved about McDonald's Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait as "...a nutrient-rich bargain" with 380 calories and two grams of saturated fat.

Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad -- a melange of mixed greens, chicken breast, roasted almonds, mandarin orange segments and Oriental sesame dressing with 420 calories -- tastes "as though it were served in a downtown bistro," the center said in a statement.

Low-fat Select Sub sandwiches served at Subway "have helped lead the way to healthier fast food," the center said. The statement singled out the low-fat Honey Mustard Ham, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki and Red Wine Vinaigrette Club sandwiches as "downright delicious" with calorie counts ranging from 310 to 370 with six grams of fat or less.

The five worst fast food items were all from Burger King, the center said.

Burger King's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shake has 760 calories and 29 grams of fat, enough fat for one and a half days, the center said. Make it a large shake and the count soars to 1,200 calories and 42 grams of saturated plus trans fat, "the kind that causes old-fashioned heart attacks."

The worst fast foods list also included Burger King Fries, Hash Browns, Double Whopper with Cheese and Value Meals, which "offer an economic incentive to stuff your gut," the center said.

The center is a Washington-based nonprofit health advocacy group that focuses on nutrition and food safety.

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