McDonald's would defend itself against charges that Happy Meals gifts tempt children into poor eating habits, the U. S. franchise giant's chief executive has said.

It was considering a lawsuit against McDonald's for giving away toys to lure children towards unhealthy meals, said the Center for Science in the Public Interest in June.

McDonald's had broken a pledged not to target children in advertisements that marketed calorie-heavy meals, the group further said.

Crain's Business Journal reported on Wednesday that Chief Executive Officer James Skinner has said the advocacy group had it wrong.

Skinner said in a statement, "CSPI's twisted characterization of McDonald's as 'the stranger in the playground handing out candy to children' is an insult to every one of our franchisees and employees around the world." Skinner further said, "I want you to know we will vigorously defend our brand, our reputation, our food and our people. CSPI is wrong in its assertions and frivolous in its legal threats." (With Inputs from Agencies)