Online Program

Oral

Various food and beverage policies have been proposed throughout the United States to change the food and beverage environment and alter consumer behavior. “Big P” policies (e.g. laws, regulations enacted by elected officials) related to obesity interventions have recently included calorie labeling on the menus of chain restaurants and trans fat bans, while “little p” policies (e.g. organizational guidelines) have focused on a wide variety of issues such as eliminating the sale sodas from hospital systems or local schools. Both large-scale regulations and institutional policies are necessary to combat the obesity epidemic and the high prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases. This session will highlight the latest evidence and current policy guidance on issues related to food policy, food marketing, and the role of the industry in addressing the obesity epidemic. During the session, presenters will discuss data on the potential impact of policies designed to improve the nutritional quality of children’s meals at fast food restaurants; consider the implications of corporate philanthropic donations to organizations; and discuss the various front-of-package and health claim labeling systems, their impact on consumer food choices, and the need for federal regulations on health claims.

Session Objectives: Identify the potential impact of the NYC Council’s “Happy Healthy Meals” Bill in reducing calories, sodium, and fat intake. Recognize the potential conflicts of interest of food company donations to various universities and hospitals. Describe why the prolific nature of health claims on food packages may necessitate federal regulations.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)