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ACTIVISTS URGE US GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE PEOPLE'S HEALTH, NOT BIG FOOD CORPORATIONS, AS FOOD GUIDELINES MOVE AHEAD With Reworking of the Food Pyramid Imminent, Corporate Accountability International Raises Concern of Industry Influence over Bush Administration For Immediate Release: Contacts: Washington, DC--With the release of new US government nutritional guidelines, consumer and health advocates are urging the Bush Administration to put people's health before corporate interests. As US policy on food and diet is being developed, there is growing national concern about obesity-related illnesses and the corporate practices that contribute to the problem. The new guidelines prioritize individual responsibility for diet and nutrition, and fail to make specific recommendations for Americans to limit their intake of sugary foods and soft drinks. "The new guidelines take some steps in the right direction. But this is a critical moment for our government to push further in protecting people's health, and our leaders are falling short. In order to address the heart of the obesity problem and to move people toward healthier food options with these new food guidelines, the Bush Administration would have to confront some major contributors to the Republican Party," says Corporate Accountability International Executive Director Kathryn Mulvey. The debate around food guidelines in the US reflects the debate at the international level. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a "Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health" to respond to the growing international obesity epidemic. Developed as policy recommendations for governments that are serious about addressing these issues, the WHO's Global Strategy will help inform consumers about the dangers of foods high in sugar, salt and fat while curtailing promotion of junk food. "We are concerned that the Bush Administration appears willing to protect the interests of big corporations--like Cargill, Kraft and other members of the Grocery Manufacturers of America--at the expense of people's health. For starters, US government guidelines on food and nutrition should provide specific recommendations to limit sugar and salt intake, which would begin to hold powerful junk food and soft drink corporations accountable for their abuses," says Mulvey. # # # Corporate Accountability International, formerly Infact, is a membership organization that protects people by waging and winning campaigns challenging irresponsible and dangerous corporate actions around the world. Through bold campaigns and a commitment to win, Corporate Accountability International and its members have scored major victories that protect people and save lives. For over 25 years, we've forced corporations--like Nestlé, General Electric and Philip Morris/Altria--to stop abusive actions. For more information visit www.stopcorporateabuse.org.
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