+Stepane+Massa-Bidal(b.jpg "Image by Flickr user Rétrofuturs (Hulk4598) / Stéphane Massa-Bidal (b")
Usually when people say ‘big brother is watching’ it’s meant to be a bad thing. In recent years ‘big brother’ has been taking a closer look at the food industry.
It’s no longer just food safety that is a focus. The obesity epidemic and related health problems in the U.S. have sparked increased government involvement in food regulation in an attempt to control this growing issue.
For some time now food claims and advertising aimed at children have been under fire. More and more frequently food and health news includes actions being taken on city, state and national levels to improve the healthfulness of the local food supply.
Just this week:
- California became the first state to put into place a ban on trans fats in cooking oils.
- A tax on sugary drinks has been proposed by health groups and is being considered by some states. Mississippi is considering a soda tax.
- New York City has spearheaded the National Salt Reduction Initiative, which will be a multi-city partnership promoting reductions in salt levels of packaged and restaurant foods.
Some will argue that big government has no place in the food industry. But, isn’t it their role to protect their citizens? Unfortunately Americans have shown they are unable or unwilling to do this on their own, which means there’s no incentive for the food industry to change. Regulating unhealthy areas of the food supply can mean decreased health problems and decreased health care costs. We all benefit from that.
What do you think?
- Renee
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Labels: Recent Research, Renee
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+Stepane+Massa-Bidal(b.jpg "Image by Flickr user Rétrofuturs (Hulk4598) / Stéphane Massa-Bidal (b")
If it helps just a few, I am with it! People don't want to figure it out themsleves many times!