1:55pm UK, Thursday June 01, 2006

Fast food chain McDonalds is to launch a special World Cup burger that is bigger than a Big Mac.

The restaurant is to sell the sandwiches, which are 40% bigger than its biggest current burger, over a six-week period.

180 a big mac mcdonalds burger

A Big Mac

They will pack a belt-busting 669 calories.

The move has prompted outrage from health campaigners.

Liberal Democrat MP Steve Webb organised a petition against the burger.

He has said he is concerned about the impact it may have on children's diets.

McDonalds introduced a healthier menu three years ago, which included salad and fresh fruit.

But only a few customers have bought the products, and the company appears to be ditching the policy.

"It's time to be proud, to say 'We're a good burger company'," new president Steve Easterbrook told The Mirror newspaper.