Food industry and health: mostly promises, little action

Abstract

Food-policy analysts at City University, London, UK, recently fired off another salvo in the food wars with an exhaustive—and depressing—report on what food companies are doing to address obesity, improve the nutritional quality of their products, and market products more responsibly. Not much, write Tim Lang and colleagues. 1 Lang T Rayner G Kaelin E The food industry, diet, physical activity and health: a review of reported commitments and practice of 25 of the world's largest food companies. http://www.city.ac.uk/press/The%20Food%20Industry%20Diet%20Physical%20Activity%20and%20Health.pdfDate: April, 2006 Google Scholar According to them, giant food corporations publicly state that they bear some responsibility for health (table), but most do not seem to meet this responsibility. The majority of food companies, the report concludes, “are not yet fully engaged with the seriousness and urgency” of today's health challenges. Indeed, “in failing fully to respond…companies appear to be distancing themselves from their responsibility for unhealthy consumer choices.” 1 Lang T Rayner G Kaelin E The food industry, diet, physical activity and health: a review of reported commitments and practice of 25 of the world's largest food companies. http://www.city.ac.uk/press/The%20Food%20Industry%20Diet%20Physical%20Activity%20and%20Health.pdfDate: April, 2006 Google Scholar TableStatements by leading food companies about corporate responsibility for health of consumers Company Sales (US$ billion) Advertising (US$$ billion) Statements Coca-Cola (USA) 21 2·2 The company exists to benefit and refresh everyone it touches. ConAgra (USA) 14·5 .. We touch the lives of many, many people. This brings with it a special sense of responsibility, one we take to heart. Danone (France) 18 1·2 * US$ converted from Euros in original report. Helps people around the world grow, live better and get more out of life through tastier, more varied and healthier food products—every day. Kraft (USA) 32 1·6 Our vision is about meeting consumers' needs and making food an easier, healthier, more enjoyable part of life. PepsiCo (USA) 29·3 1·7 Our health and wellness initiatives…strengthen our commitment to contribute to the well-being of our consumers. Unilever (UK, 29·7 * US$ converted from Euros in original report. 7·2 (includes We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and Netherlands) non-food) * US$ converted from Euros in original report. personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Ahold (Netherlands) 65·8 * US$ converted from Euros in original report. 0·456 * US$ converted from Euros in original report. As we see the focus on health and well-being to be a major, sustained consumer trend, we want to be a leader in this area, or even have a genuine impact on the overweight/obesity issue going forward. Carrefour (France) 12·1 * US$ converted from Euros in original report. .. Aims to set the benchmark in modern retailing for the protection of health, consumer safety and the environment. Kroger (USA) 51·1 0·667 * US$ converted from Euros in original report. Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, health, personal care and related consumable products and services. McDonald's (USA) 51·3 (includes franchises) 0·723 McDonald's cares about the well-being issues that are so important to many of our customers. All figures are from 1 Lang T Rayner G Kaelin E The food industry, diet, physical activity and health: a review of reported commitments and practice of 25 of the world's largest food companies. http://www.city.ac.uk/press/The%20Food%20Industry%20Diet%20Physical%20Activity%20and%20Health.pdfDate: April, 2006 Google Scholar for 2002–04. * US$ converted from Euros in original report. Open table in a new tab All figures are from 1 Lang T Rayner G Kaelin E The food industry, diet, physical activity and health: a review of reported commitments and practice of 25 of the world's largest food companies. http://www.city.ac.uk/press/The%20Food%20Industry%20Diet%20Physical%20Activity%20and%20Health.pdfDate: April, 2006 Google Scholar for 2002–04.