March 2004   

You might have heard the latest news from McDonald's that they are phasing out super-sized French fries and sodas, as part of their “Eat Smart, Be Active'' initiative, launched last year. The fine print, however, reveals merely an elimination of the “Super Size,” 7-ounce French fries in favor of the "large" 6-ounce portion--well above the original 2.4-ounce order that McDonald's began serving in the 1950s. Also, Super Size soda will still be available as a “promotional option.”

Just like their hollow pledge in 2002 to remove trans-fats from their cooking oil, (they have since quietly reneged on that promise) this move will also do nothing to stem skyrocketing obesity rates. Let’s not be fooled by such lame PR efforts from the fast food industry. And shame on the media for sucking it up. Oh, and one more thing: McDonald's shares rose 4 cents on the New York Stock Exchange the morning of the announcement.

Source: Associated Press and Atlanta-Journal Constitution, 03/03/04
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/ap/ap_story.html/Financial/AP.V6775.AP-McDonalds-No-S.html

The Study of Coke

The Coca-Cola Company has announced the creation of “The Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness.” Their motto is: “Helping people all over the world live healthier lives THROUGH BEVERAGES” (caps in original). According to its Web site, the Institute “will support research to help better understand the role that beverages can play in diets and health, in developed and developing countries, around the world.” An advisory council includes quite an array of academic experts in nutrition, exercise, and food policy that will help “identify research needs and areas of opportunity for beverage development” and who will “operate as a separate entity from The Coca-Cola Company” and “maintain their objectivity.” What will they do? “The research agenda will focus on significant health issues across the world and how beverages could help address these health and nutrition problems”, including the role of hydration in nutrition, malnutrition in the developing world, fruits and vegetables as beverages, nutrition and beverage education, and clinical research for beverage application.

Sounds eerily similar to the Tobacco Institute, which for years was a front group of the tobacco industry whose agenda was to distort scientific information with the goal of effecting important public policy measures. Beware of what might come out of this new “institute.” We just might learn that Coke is healthy after all!

Source: www.thebeverageinstitute.org

More States Ban Obesity Lawsuits

Since our first report on the topic last November, there has been a flurry of legislative activity around banning lawsuits against food companies for causing obesity and other health problems associated with eating too much junk food. The legislation, often dubbed "The Commonsense Consumption Act," seeks to protect restaurants, packaged food makers, distributors, advertisers and others from civil liability for an individual's weight gain or related health problems caused by the consumption of specific foods. At least 20 states, including California, Florida, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, have proposed bills to protect companies against such litigation. Last summer, a Louisiana bill became law, banning court action blaming the food industry for making people overweight. A bill before the South Dakota governor, and similar legislation in Wisconsin, Illinois, and several other states could come up for a vote very soon. The Utah legislature has passed a measure there that now awaits the governor’s signature. And in Georgia, the House unanimously approved a similar bill that now goes to the Senate.

In Washington DC, the so-called "Cheeseburger Bill" just passed the House. The "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act," or H.R. 339, is sponsored by Rep. Ric Keller, R-FL, an acknowledged fast-food fan whose top donors include Outback Steakhouse and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Industry groups such as the National Restaurant Association have been very successful in persuading state politicians to introduce the anti-lawsuit legislation. If you live in California, stay tuned for how you can get involved in the fight against this legislation in Sacramento.

Sources: Obesity Policy Report, 03/04/04
Reuters, 03/02/04, 02/10/04 http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040302/bizfeature_food_legislation_1.html
 

  Fighting Back: Legal Strategies and Other Good News

UK Seeks to Ban Toy Promotions

The use of free toy promotions to encourage children to eat fast food would be banned under controversial new plans being considered by health chiefs in the United Kingdom to tackle the obesity epidemic there. Concern is mounting that the marketing tactics of outlets such as McDonald’s and Burger King - who give away free toys with children’s meals – are helping to create a new generation of junk food addicts. Last month, the Food Standards Agency (a government-sponsored watchdog organization) warned fast food chains that it may recommend legislation to ban toy giveaways. The agency is staging a series of public meetings around the country to gather opinions on what should be done to encourage healthier eating. Across the UK, one million children are now overweight - double the number 10 years ago. Any ban on free promotional toys being used to entice children to eat fast food would be a world first.

Source: Scotsman.com, 02/22/04
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=209532004

Irish to McDonald's: Keep Out

A local health board in Ennis, Ireland has formally objected to a proposed new McDonald's outlet, citing concerns about the possible effects on children's health. The board argued that official health policy is to reduce obesity in Ireland but "the aim of health promotion appears untenable when faced with the millions of dollars being spent by McDonald's on child-targeted advertising.” Before the Ennis Town Council considers the application, the board's health promotion unit has insisted that McDonald's prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to determine what effect the restaurant will have on the health of children in the Ennis area. The Department of Health and Children is seeking a reduction of 10 per cent in obesity in Ireland by 2005; however, the prevalence of obesity has increased among adults by 67 per cent over the past 10 years.

Imagine if American cities had required fast food companies to provide a health impact statement before opening the thousands of outlets here. Maybe they still should—as an ongoing assessment of their impact on children’s health.

Source: The Irish Times, 02/03/04
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2004/0203/4196547526HM1MACDONALDS.html

States Target School Vending Machines

According to an excellent article from the Associate Press, school vending machines are under heavy attack by state lawmakers across the country. About two dozen states are considering total bans or limits on vending machine products. About 20 states already restrict students' access to junk food until after lunch. Last year, California became the first state to ban certain soft drink sales at elementary and junior high schools. Proponents pushing for a similar law in New York say the state could potentially see savings in Medicaid costs. That proposal would ban junk food and carbonated drinks in school vending machines, and encourage schools to stock machines with healthier alternatives like granola bars, fresh fruit, and bottled water. Hawaii wants to banish vending machines from public schools unless vendors replace fatty food with healthy choices. Massachusetts supports a ban on soft drinks in its public and charter schools. Utah favors getting rid of junk food in vending machines in its elementary schools. Minnesota proposes that school districts sell milk and fruit drinks at a lower price than non-nutritional drinks. Vermont wants districts to adopt guidelines for nutrition in vending machines. In Indiana, where some districts make up to $300,000 a year from vending machine contracts, there is mixed reaction to a bill requiring that at least half the choices be healthy. The New York State School Board Association cautioned that more research is needed to determine the fiscal impact of the proposed law on school districts, which heavily rely on vending machine sales to pay for computers, sports programs and after-school activities. But we say, let’s find other ways to fund school programs that don’t compromise children’s health.

Source: Associated Press, 02/26/04
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/health/20040226-1411-vendingmachines.html

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, March 24 – Sacramento, CA
ENACT 2004: Nutrition and Activity Lobby Day
The day begins at 10:30 with an interactive training about the obesity epidemic, key steps for responding to this health crisis, and how to be an effective advocate for policies that promote healthy nutrition and physical activity. After a group lunch, participants will meet in teams with their legislators. For more information and to register for this free event, visit www.cfpa.net/ENACT2004.htm or contact Jessica Reich, with California Food Policy Advocates, at (415) 777-4422 x129 or jreich@cfpa.net.

Sunday, March 28 – San Francisco, CA
Mad Cow Madness Symposium: Update & Alternatives
Howard Lyman, author of Mad Cowboy, and defendant in a libel lawsuit along with Oprah Winfrey for sounding the alarm over mad cow disease back in 1997, will present the latest information about the discovery of an infected cow in the United States. CIFC’s own Michele Simon will lecture just before Lyman (at 1:15pm) on the politics of meat safety. At the San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park. Free event starts at 11am. For more details, visit: http://www.sfvs.org/events.html.

Saturday, April 10 – Oakland, CA
Naturally Funny Comedy Show III: Politics as Usual

The Bay Area's funniest comedians take on elections, media control, fast food, and other stomach aches. Featuring politically correct desserts.

Performing: Bill Santiago, Aundre Herron, Joe Klocek, and Ross Turner
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2004, 7pm desserts, 8pm show
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway, Oakland
Donation: $20 in advance, $25 at door (tickets held at door)
Reservations: Visit www.informedeating.org or call (510) 465-0322

Proceeds to benefit the Center for Informed Food Choices and the National Radio Project, producers of Making Contact. Vegan, organic desserts provided by Daily Harvest Catering.

The Center for Informed Food Choices in a nonprofit organization that advocates for a whole foods, plant-based diet and educates about the politics of food.

CIFC is proud to make Informed Eating available as a free public service. Unlike industry publications, it is not underwritten by corporate sponsors. We would greatly appreciate your support for this newsletter and our other important policy work. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.informedeating.org or call (510) 465-0322.

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2004 Informed Eating  -  All Rights Reserved