Essay 2.2

Over thirty years ago, one of the main concerns of the nation was the lack of nutrition and starvation of children across America. Today, rather than the scarcity of food, we are focusing on too much food and calories. Obesity is a growing epidemic that is sweeping the nation. In one of my classes GKIN 100 our instructor found a statistic that stated that by the year 2030 all American adults will be overweight. There is not much that can be done for adults since they have their diet set, but there is something that can be done about the children, our future. I believe that the government needs to take action and steps towards regulating what type of food/beverages are sold and advertised in schools. However some industries fear that federal control would threaten the company, possibly hurting their marketing. Bringing in regulation to these industries has enormous opportunities for a healthier lifestyle but is a big gamble.

Douglas J. Besharov, a professor at the University of Maryland, made a testimony before the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on April 3, 2003 about the concern over overweight and obesity in America. He stated that in previous years while a civil rights worker in the 1960’s he had first hand account of the lack of nutrition and starvation that occurred. Only after the media paid attention to such issues is when action took place such as federal feeding and welfare programs for people who cannot afford to pay for food. Now he sees accounts of the complete opposite. Children’s stomachs’ are not swollen from hunger but from too much food. The question is, does the federal government need to intervene for this measure, and how will it affect these companies? My answer to this question would be yes. In extreme cases the federal government, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is a good solution due to that they have greater power that those who just shake their fingers and say that what some companies are doing is bad. However, companies fear government regulation and see it as a threat to their profit and possibly their jobs. Such action can cause serious damage to the company in profits.

Approximately $1.7 billion was spent on gearing products such as sugary cereals, fast food and sodas towards children. Policymakers, public and health professionals are now concerned about certain practices of these companies. Threatened by federal regulation, companies are starting to do what some call self-policy in order to stay afloat. Several companies have taken measures to make modifications to the products they sell, particularly to children. The most common tactic was to stop marketing certain products that are aimed towards children and teenagers. Cereal is one of the biggest products that have trouble adapting to theses expectations (Clifford par.12). Kellogg’s, along with other participating companies are not permitted to advertise their product in elementary schools, with some exceptions such as charitable fundraising activities (Sharma par. 16). This is good, especially when it comes to adapting to new products geared to health standards, but is it good enough?

Other forms of self-regulating is to modify the products to a healthier measure. Each company has their own set of standards for “better” food, but what exactly does that mean? The companies themselves define this; there is no universal definition for “better” food (Clifford par 7). However the writers of the article, The Food Industry and Self-Regulation: Standards to Promote Success and to Avoid Public Health Failures, have found 8 standards that companies should and do follow in order for self-regulation to be successful. These guidelines help to create smaller portion sizes and calorie intake without diminishing nutritional needs; all of which that are to be distributed in schools. These rules are generally stricter for schools that foster children from grades K-8. The main concern though, is what is the benchmark for these guidelines? Every company will be different in setting their standards, if there are even any standards set. So how can policymakers and these companies find a solution?

Before anyone can put a plan into action, first there is something that needs to be defined, the benchmark. What is the cut off? Each product is going to have something different but how can policymakers ensure that these standards are efficient and will be met? Though full government regulation will not be the solution and self-regulation is not always successful, I do believe that the government can carefully monitor these products, a look but don’t touch scenario. We have to give these industries and company the benefit of the doubt if they are indeed trying to better their food for a healthier and better standard. However the companies should make their criteria and check in with the FDA to make sure it is acceptable, if not then go back to the drawing board and try again. Once that is covered, all the federal government does is watch, if anything is out of line that is when they need to intervene. We should try to avoid this as much as possible so that the government does not control everything.