THE AMERICAN FIGHT AGAINST JUNK-FOOD

In the United States, the appalling and epidemic developpement of obesity is now a source of major concern among physicians (particularly pediatricians), health authorities, teachers, and parents. They are frightened by the growing number of obese children, and by the poor nutritional value of the meals that are delivered in schools. Moreover, medical disorders and diseases related to obesity, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, are on the rise.
This new lobbying is acting in several directions :
- Take on local authorities and schools, if necessary through legislation, to have high calorie food eliminated and food distributors limited. They go against the interests of high schools who get a great deal of money from companies this way.
- File a sue against big companies and fast-food industry.  During Sommer 2002, a 56 years worker, Cesar Barber, sued several fast-food companies in New York : he suffers from cardiac disease related to his obesity and claims he has been deceived by the advertising strategy of these companies, which did not warn the consumer against the potential negative effects of the junk-food. Other actions are down the road, similar to those previously undertaken against the tobacco industry.
But the food industry don't give up!It has been demonstrated that consumption of high glycemic foods like sodas, sugary breakfast cereal and hamburger buns lead to overeating. This looks like common sense, but the powerful soda-industry lobby was outraged that its products were beeing singled out for blame. The National Soft Drink Association (NSDA) even issued a fact sheet asserting that carbonated soft drinks - which contain no vitamins, minerals or fiber - are part of a well-balanced diet*. The fight is not over!.

* Newsweek August 5, 2002