McDonald's to eliminate eight menu items

McDonald's is sending eight items to the chopping block and maybe even getting rid of some ingredients, as the fast-food chain tries to revamp its supersize-me reputation.

The chain announced plans to speed up service time by simplifying the menu and reducing the number of Extra Value Meals from 16 to 11 during an investor meeting Wednesday.

The chain plans on reducing choices of various items, meaning instead of four quarter-pound options, consumers will have one.

According to McDonald's spokeswoman Becca Hary, the "cleaner menu board" is already being tested at several locations in the U.S.

The changes come as the fast-food giant struggles to hold on to customers after the company reported another monthly decline in U.S. sales. In November, sales fell 4.6%, the Associated Press reports.

During the meeting, McDonald's CEO Don Thompson said the company failed to keep up with consumers' changing diet preferences, according to the AP. Thompson did not mention which items were getting the boot.

In order to stay in the playing field, McDonald's is banking on its new "Create Your Taste" program, where consumers can customize their sandwiches.

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