I was filing some papers this morning and came across a recent ACNeilsen study that indicated Americans really do know how to manage their weight. Further, almost 82% of consumers surveyed acknowledged they are most responsible for their weight not food manufacturers or fast food restaurants.
This made me wonder if law has become the new medicine. Do influencers (and activists) really think they can regulate the public’s way to better health? It sure seems as if they’re trying.
When the Nutrition Labeling Education Act (NLEA) was established in 1990, it was done so to foster a healthy food environment, provide public guidance and education. Now, so many guidelines and regulations have been established that we’ve lost sight of the real problem: changing or modifying consumer behavior.
With attorneys interpreting science and translating their findings into policy, I tend to wonder if we’re leveraging the laws appropriately to facilitate consumer empowerment of their own well-being. I don’t think so. But we’ve sure done a great job of stirring controversy, making headlines and creating platforms for politicians.
Of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Carol P. MS, RD says
Apr 3, 2007 at 11:23 amI do agree with you. Legislature is really limited in its ability to “force” people to change their inner most drives. Everyone will say that fast food is not healthful, but so many people are still bargaining the fast as more important than the food (quality).
The NLEA was an excellent step toward bringing continuity and sound information to Americans. Many countries’ labels appear similar and have the same reason to be. Nutrition labels and labeling laws, including statements outside the Nutrition Facts panel, are meant to inform and allow people to make comparisons between two or more different foods. I don’t believe FDA and USDA really believe they can change the quantity or quality of what people eat, but help them make informed decisions.
Food companies and their trade organizations work together to help the agencies come up with reasonable regulations – to further inform consumers – with constructive and important information built on sound science.
We should take the legislative “impact” for what it’s worth.
Tina Ruggiero says
Apr 5, 2007 at 12:23 pmCarol, your comments are right on target. Thanks for your reply!