Posted on 07/01/2003 10:20:02 AM PDT by L.N. Smithee
By Deborah Cohen
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kraft Foods Inc., the biggest U.S. maker of processed foods, on Tuesday said it would cap portion sizes, eliminate marketing in schools and reformulate some products as the food industry faces increasing legal blame for obesity and unhealthy eating trends.
The maker of Oreo cookies and Velveeta cheese spreads said this year it will develop a range of standards to improve the overall nutritional content of its products and the way it sells them. It will begin making changes to the way it manufactures and markets foods beginning next year.
The cost of the measures, which are sweeping, could not be estimated, according to a spokesman for the company, based in the Chicago suburb of Northfield, Illinois.
Critics are quick to point out that Kraft may be on the defensive at a time of heightened criticism over the role big food companies play in contributing to growing health problems in the United States. No. 1 fast-food chain McDonald's Corp. has already been the target of a highly publicized lawsuit linking its burgers to obesity in children.
"This is sort of a preemptive move to stave off the lawyers and the critics," said Henry Anhalt, an endocrinologist and director of the "Kids Weight Down" program at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.
"What I think is going on is that the soothsayers are saying that coming down the pike are going to be large lawsuits, class action suits looking at cardiovascular disease, premature death, diabetes, and they're going to turn to the food industry and lay it on their feet," he said.
Still, he applauded Kraft for making changes that he believes will make a difference. Kraft could set standards that other major food companies could follow.
Obesity among adults in the United States has doubled since 1980, and tripled among adolescents, according to the U.S. surgeon general.
Kraft acknowledged that the moves may in part help indemnify the company against potential lawsuits.
"We're making these commitments first and foremost because we think it is the right thing to do for the people who use our products and for our business, but if it also discourages a plaintiff's attorney or unfair legislation, that's fine with us." said Michael Mudd, a Kraft spokesman.
GLOBAL EFFORTS
Kraft said its efforts would be global, focusing on product nutrition, marketing practices, information for consumers and public advocacy. It is forming an advisory council to help develop standards for the company's approach to health issues.
Marketing fatty and sugar-laden foods to children has been a hot-button in the news. Last week, New York City's school system decided to remove candy, soda and sweet snacks from school vending machines.
Last month, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) said that agency plans to push for expanded nutritional labeling on food products.
Kraft said the changes it will make will include advertising and marketing to children to encourage appropriate eating behaviors and active lifestyles.
The company, which used to promote its products on Channel One, a news channel played in secondary schools, will now cease all in-school marketing.
Other big food industry players are also taking defensive measures. McDonald's in March announced worldwide initiatives to help promote healthy lifestyles and provide consumers with expanded product information. It has also assembled an advisory council.
"This is an ongoing battle," said Keith Patriquin, a buy-side analyst with Loomis Sayles, which holds shares of Kraft and other big food names. "Trial lawyers ... are looking for the next big thing."
Earlier this year, a lawsuit was filed in California seeking to ban Kraft's Oreo cookies. The suit, which drew criticism in legal circles for potentially abusing the U.S. court system, was withdrawn less than two weeks later.
Shares of Kraft, which is majority owned by tobacco giant Altria Group Inc., were off 25 cents at $34.30 in mid-morning New York Stock Exchange (news - web sites) trading. (With reporting by Brad Dorfman in Chicago)
This is VERY true! Something that will blow your mind is around Easter, before the Jewish holiday of Passover, you need to find a store that specializes in Kosher foods (a grocery store usually won't do). Coca Cola make a "Kosher for Passover" version of their Coke that uses sugar as the sweetner, not the high fructose corn syrup that their "regular" coke uses. They taste WAY different, with the sugar sweetened soda tasting much better. The thing is, that the corn syrup is a whole lot cheaper. There's a hugh difference in taste: I'm being series here.
Mark
"Muslims who live in America or other non-Muslim lands face a great but not widely acknowledged challenge: eating halal foods. Whether we follow the halal guidelines depends on us. Some people feel that it is too difficult. Ususally, these people excuse eating haram foods by saying that they are in non-Muslim lands and, therefore, they can eat haram foods. That is not true. We are required to eat halal at all times. The only exception is when one has no access to halal foods, and his/her life is at stake. I came to the U.S. when I was almost eight years old. When I turned nine, the local masjid gave my family a list of halal and haram products compiled by the MSA. (I would like to thank them and others who promote awareness about any Islamic matter.) I memorized it. Furthermore, I used it. It is time for all Muslims to eat halal foods. In most places in the United States where Muslims live, there are halal meat stores. Those interested in eating properly, please see the list of haram products below. Remember, eating halal is a duty of all Muslims. It is a know fact that haram foods, such as intoxicants and pork, hurt the body and spirit. You can print the list for reference and tell Muslim friends and family. Also, if you need to find out if a certain product is halal, you can always contact the company. Usually, they will tell you if the product has any animal or alcohol derivatives if you ask. For those who want to learn more about halal/haram and about Islam, here are some good links to check out. See the new parents' corner below the list of haram products. Also, give feedback (comments and feedback) via the guestbook."Skittles candy, Jello, Kraft American Cheese, Progresso Bread Crumbs, Dannon Lowfat Yogurt, many Keebler cookies, Oreos, Chips Ahoy cookies, Suave Shampoo and Conditioners, Head and Shoulders, many shaving creams (brand names), Dunkin Donuts (has hair extract!), Dove Soap, Lux Soap, Doritos Chips and other chips with cheese, Breyer Ice Creams with Vanilla Flavoring, Any product with Rum as an ingredient, McDonald's Fries and meat and shakes, etc., Burger King products, All fastfoods and restaurants serving haram meat should be avoided for fear of contamination."
(In Jack Benny mode) NOW CUT THAT OUT!!
But seriously...why does Kosher Coke have sugar? Last time I checked, I didn't see anything wrong with corn on Passover.
And since last Thursday, nearly all forms of the latter.
While reading this thread, and the one you mentioned, are the only times I've had any cravings since I've been on the Atkins diet. This nonsense of high fat and sugar foods being "addictive" is designed to do two things: First, it turns fat people into victims, who have no control over themselves, their bodies, or what they put in their mouths. Secondly, since it's addictive, it sets up food manufacturers as "bad guys" who can be punished with impunity.
I've been on this Atkins diet (and I eat a lot of the food that's being cursed as "bad." High fat content, like butter and cream) for about 8 weeks now, but didn't weigh myself for the first 10 days. However, in the last 6 weeks, I've lost 24 pounds, and have to go out and buy new pants. Am I addicted to high fat and calorie foods? NO!!!!
To those who claim to be addicted, I have one thing to say: LEARN HOW TO SAY NO!!! You want those oreo cookies? Too damn bad. You just don't eat them! I bought my girlfriend, who was terribly depressed and upset after her home was burglarized, a box of "chocolate covered prozac," Godiva Chocolates. Did I have any? NO! I occasionally go to Ryan's Steak House for lunch, and they've got some awesome deserts. Do I sample any, or those delicious, fresh baked rolls? NO!
To those who say that they can't lose weight on a diet, again, I have just two things to say! 1) Say NO! and 2) Get off your ass and get some exercise!
Mark
"Skittles candy, Jello, Kraft American Cheese, Progresso Bread Crumbs, Dannon Lowfat Yogurt, many Keebler cookies, Oreos, Chips Ahoy cookies, Suave Shampoo and Conditioners, Head and Shoulders, many shaving creams (brand names), Dunkin Donuts (has hair extract!), Dove Soap, Lux Soap, Doritos Chips and other chips with cheese, Breyer Ice Creams with Vanilla Flavoring, Any product with Rum as an ingredient, McDonald's Fries and meat and shakes, etc., Burger King products, All fastfoods and restaurants serving haram meat should be avoided for fear of contamination."
Can't slip nothing by these astute Muslims.
SD
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