New Food Pyramid a Scheme that Puts Food Corporations on Top [04.21.2005] - Corporate Accountability International - Challenging Abuse, Protecting People - Think Outside the Bottle


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New Food Pyramid a Scheme that Puts Food Corporations on Top
A statement from Kathryn Mulvey, Executive Director, Corporate Accountability International

For Immediate Release:
April 21, 2005

Contacts:
Patti Lynn/Corporate Accountability International: 617.695.2525
David Lerner/Riptide Communications: 212.260.5000

"When the USDA unveiled the government's new food pyramid graphic and Web site this week, media and consumers across the country reacted with puzzlement. While it may be difficult to decipher the nutritional guidelines from the wordless, rainbow-colored vertical lines, one thing is crystal clear: corporate food manufacturers win.

"Giant food corporations and lobbyists have their fingerprints all over the new pyramid. Originally the USDA was planning to include visual indicators on how often certain foods should be consumed, such as 'occasional' for pastries. But those guidelines are now nowhere to be found, and have been replaced by an emphasis on individual responsibility.

"The failure of the new pyramid--and proof of the industry's influence--is most glaring in its refusal to recommend what foods not to eat. The only mention of avoiding unhealthy foods in the actual guidelines is a remark to 'know the limits on fats, sugars and salts,' and suggestions to eat less are also noticeably absent.

"Perhaps the hardest thing to stomach about the new pyramid is the fact that Agriculture Department has no budget to promote its nutritional guidelines. Instead it will rely on the food industry to educate the public. Alison Kretser, an official from the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) told the New York Times this is an appropriate 'passing of the baton,' but it really is a dangerous passing of the buck.

"The GMA is a food industry lobbying group with members such as Cargill and Philip Morris/Altria, which owns Kraft Foods. It is the political arm of the second-largest manufacturing industry in the US. According to the GMA, it is "committed to reducing trade barriers and increasing market access for processed foods globally." The trade association--which is contributing to a global epidemic of obesity--is planning to use inserts in Weekly Reader newspapers for children in fourth through sixth grade.

"The large majority of food industry advertising spending goes toward aggressive promotion of sodas, candy, junk food snacks, alcoholic beverages and high-sugar desserts. In contrast, Big Food spends an insignificant amount marketing the main pillars of the food pyramid: fruits, vegetables, beans and grains.

"America has a growing obesity epidemic that is now the nation's second leading cause of preventable deaths. Globally, for the first time in history, there are an equal number of people--1.1 billion--who get too much to eat as those who don't have enough to eat. This is a critical moment for our government to push further in protecting people's health, and our leaders are falling short.

"U.S. government guidelines on food and nutrition should provide specific recommendations to limit sugar and salt intake, which would begin to counter the influence of powerful junk food and soft drink corporations. Corporate Accountability International supports national and international regulations to hold food manufacturers accountable for their contributions to the global obesity epidemic. We are working toward implementation of the World Health Organization's Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health, specifically measures tocurtail the promotion of junk food and inform consumers about the dangers of foods high in sugar, salt and fat.

"The USDA food pyramid is a recognizable American icon, trusted by consumers as a guide to a healthy diet. It must be protected from corporate influence and manipulation."

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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.