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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Michele Simon, JD, MPH, Center for Informed Food Choices, PO Box 16053, Oakland, CA 94610, 510-465-0322, michele@informedeating.org

In the wake of public criticism related to the obesity epidemic, leading food companies are responding in numerous ways. The food industry is saying that they want to be “part of the solution” when it comes to childood obesity. For example, McDonald's now offers apples in Happy Meals and is placing nutrition information on product wrappers. Major packaged food companies such as Kraft and General Mills are reformulating products to include “whole grain” and lowering fat content. There are also new “seal programs” such as PepsiCo's Smart Spot and Kraft's Sensible Solutions that aim to tell consumers which products are healthier. In addition, in the wake of the critical Institute of Medicine report on food marketing to children, food and media companies are under tremendous pressure to change their marketing practices. Some are claiming they already have. Industry favors a “self-regulatory” approach because it wants to avoid government regulation. What are the details of these corporate policies? Do they really advance public health? Could a patchwork of industry labeling programs contribute to more consumer confusion? Are children really being protected? What are the critical questions to ask when a company announces a change? Should we allow food companies to make these important policy decisions?

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

• Identify the most important ways that food companies are responding to criticism related to their products and marketing practices
• Recognize the ways that industry seeks to avoid government regulation
• Critically evaluate the pros and cons of food company changes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered