November 17, 2003 Recent News
Britain close behind US on obesity rates
Proposal to reduce obesity heads to Senate floor
Ban sought on fast-food obesity suits
Two Democrats' bills target U.S. obesity; seek labels on fast-food menus
European supermarkets still wary about stocking GMO foods
Ten European regions rally to remain GMO-free
Low-carb sector sees gains<
The low-carb phenomenon sweeping the Western world has caused a large change in dietary habits according to an industry analyst. The fact that Dr. Robert Atkins' claims have been somewhat vindicated recently, and the food pyramid may be revised using some of his ideas, underpins the trend. In the last year alone, sales of French fries have dropped by 10%. At the recent Natural Products Expo East, low-carb products were everywhere. Formulation and taste issues remain, but the movement is strong and gaining. At the retail end, more than 200 low-carb specialty stores are up and running in the US, and a California-based franchise plans to establish 5,000 stores over the next five years. Many health experts continue to be against the trend as not nutritionally adequate, and leading to a range of ailments. A National Starch director believes the kind of carbohydrates consumed and their proportion to other inputs need to be better understood. He adds that "The science behind carbohydrate nutrition is continuing to evolve, and the future may be able to distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' carbohydrates." Meanwhile, the market continues to grow, and now low-carb products can be found in every mainstream food outlet.
(Extracted from Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals)
Britain close behind US on obesity rates
While Americans have a reputation for weighing more than any other people in the world, Europeans are fast catching up. In Britain, the percentage of obese adults is three times what it was just two decades ago, the fastest-growing rate in Western Europe. An estimated 21 percent of men and 23.5 percent of women are now considered obese in Britain, compared with 27 percent of men and 34 percent of women in America.
(Extracted from The New York Times, 10/31/03)
Proposal to reduce obesity heads to Senate floor
Under a measure passed by a Senate panel cities and schools could get federal grants to pay for nutrition classes and promote fitness. Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist, who proposed the legislation, said it is aimed at curbing the nation's obesity problem. Encouraging people to exercise and eat well would be more effective than blaming the restaurant and food industries for fat, he said.
(Extracted from Associated Press Newswires, 10/29/03)
Ban sought on fast-food obesity suits<
Illinois state lawmaker Rep. John Fritchey, a Chicago Democrat, wants to ban obesity suits against fast-food chains. "There's an issue of personal responsibility involved, and we have to acknowledge that," said Fritchey. He plans to introduce legislation in January, which he calls "the Illinois Commonsense Consumption Act."
(Extracted from Good Housekeeping/United Press International, 10/30/03)
Two Democrats' bills target U.S. obesity; seek labels on fast-food menus
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., introduced a bill that would require fast food and restaurant chains with 20 or more locations to list calories, trans-fat, saturated fat and sodium content next to each item on menus or menu boards. The Menu Education and Labeling Act is expected to be followed by a bill from Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, that will mirror Ms. DeLauro's measure, except it will include demanding nutritional labels on the exterior of vending machines as well.
(Extracted from The Washington Times, 11/6/03)
European supermarkets still wary about stocking GMO foods
Though the EU may lift its ban on biotech crops, European supermarkets are concerned about antagonizing customers and are reluctant to stock GM foods. Many guarantee their own-brand products are GM free and say there is no reason to change unless consumers want them to. A related story reports that a survey of Italian attitudes on foods by Coldiretti and ISPO, found 87% of those surveyed were unconditionally opposed to GM food. Half thought they were dangerous to health, 52% said they were less healthy than conventional food and 40% said they could not be more nutritious than conventional food. Results were presented at the International Agriculture and Food Forum where Coldiretti President Paolo Bedoni warned that the agriculture industry should pay attention to the results and steer clear of GM produce. (ANSA - English Media Service 24 Oct 03)
(Extracted from Reuters News, 10/24/03)
Ten European regions rally to remain GMO-free
A group of 10 agricultural districts in Britain, Austria, France, Spain, Germany and Greece has demanded that they be allowed to become biotech free zones. The group called on the EU to protect small farmers and determine liability before lifting the ban on GM crops. The latest European Commission proposal would allow .3%-.7% of GM crops even in those products or crops labeled organic. While regions could make their own decisions about GM crops, the EU is advising against regions setting up product labels more stringent than EU standards.
(Extracted from Associated Press Newswires, 11/4/03)
