The premiere domestic agenda item for First Lady Michelle Obama is tackling the childhood obesity issue in the United States. To learn more and encourage others to engage in the problem, the First Lady has spoken with schools and nutrition advocates throughout the country. Today, the First Lady engaged the companies that make the food items that can cause problems, as well as items that help prevent obesity.Speaking at a meeting of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today, Obama told those in attendance that now is the time for the companies to step up their efforts to combat obesity and to '"entirely rethink the products you are offering,"' reports Mary Clare Jalonick for the Associated Press.
The First Lady was invited to speak at today's event, part of the GMA's science forum this week, by the GMA, and those in attendance gave the First Lady a standing ovation. As Jalonick reports, embracing the First Lady and her priorities could have advantages for the industry, which this year is facing legislation, in the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization, that could have major impacts for the industry. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on companies for putting "misleading" labels on food packages--essentially claiming items are healthy when they are not. And there is also always the threat of Congress moving on a bill that would tax sodas and sweetened beverages.
While the soda tax is not part of the ongoing health care bill, Jalonick writes that "it could be seen as an opening shot in a quietly growing effort to target food companies, especially as local, state and federal governments scrounge for revenue in a tight fiscal environment."
For her part, Obama said she would like food labels to be less confusing. Additionally, Obama talked about portion sizes and how food is advertised to children. The First Lady encouraged the companies to reduce "bad" ingredients and increase the nutritious ones in their food. Jalonick notes that the First Lady is focusing more on meals and food available at schools, but she also sees a lack of exercise and activity in children's daily lives as part of the problem and a potential solution.
While consumer groups are encouraged about the involvement and willingness to work on the issue by the food industry, their optimism is cautious as they have been down this road before.
To read Jalonick's article in the AP, click here.
Posted: 03/16/10
