The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73074

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, New York University, 35 West Fourth St, Tenth Floor, New York, NY 10012-1172, (212) 998-5595, Marion.Nestle@NYU.edu

Because everyone must eat to live, food companies would seem to be proponents of public health. To reverse the current epidemic of obesity, people need to eat less, but in a situation of food overabundance, companies must compete to sell food. They must either induce people to choose their products over those of competitors or to eat more in general. They compete to increase sales through advertising, new products, added nutrients, larger portions, and targeting of special populations such as minorities, children, or overseas populations. In addition, food company officials and lobbyists work behind the scenes to establish relationships with food and nutrition professionals to make sure that no "eat less" messages are delivered; they also work to discourage Congress and federal agencies from issuing unfavorable dietary advice or regulations. This presentation describes such activities and suggests changes in current policies that might support a more healthful eating environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ways in which food companies work to increase food sales in an environment of overabundance;
• Describe methods used by the food industry to discourage Congress and federal agencies from issuing dietary recommendations or regulations unfavorable to sales;
• Describe methods used by the food industry to influence food, nutrition, and health professionals to issue ambiguous dietary guidelines that avoid suggestions to "eat less."

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.