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KRAFT Foods Vows to Help Consumers Fight Obesity

Mpls., MN July 1, 2003: 2003 Kraft Foods Inc., the largest U.S. food company, announced today it will limit portion sizes in single-serve packages, eliminate all in-school marketing and provide nutrition labeling in all markets worldwide, including markets where it is not required.

Kraft spokesperson: Obesity is a complex public health challenge of global proportions. We are responding to public demand for healthier food choices, and will support healthier food choices in vending machines,

Like other food companies and fast food chains, Kraft, the maker of Oreo cookies, Velveeta cheese spread, Ritz crackers, and a host of other processed foods, is facing increasing criticism, government scrutiny, and even lawsuits for producing unhealthy, fatty foods. Obesity among adults in the United States has doubled since 1980, and tripled among adolescents, according to the U.S. surgeon general.

Earlier this year a lawsuit was filed in California seeking to ban Oreos. The suit drew criticism for abusing the legal system and was withdrawn less than two weeks later, but the media frenzy it generated helped highlight a hot button issue, the marketing of fat- and sugar-laden foods to children.

Last fall several school districts in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area removed soda, candy, and fatty chips from school system vending machines. In June, New York City's school system implemented a similar ban. Other school districts are expected to follow suit. Last month, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that agency plans to push for expanded nutritional labeling on food products.

Kraft vowed it will develop advertising and marketing campaigns designed to encourage children to follow appropriate eating behaviors and active lifestyles.

Kraft also said it will form an advisory council that will include experts on obesity, nutrition, physical activity, public health, human behavior, nutrient fortification and lifestyle education and intervention programs.

The company said it is targeting the end of 2003 to complete the development of standards and measures for portion size and other items. Implementation will begin in 2004 and will likely require two to three years to complete.

Following Kraft's lead late today, McDonald's corporation announced it would give consumers the opportunity to substitute a piece of fresh fruit for the fries served in its Kids Happy Meals and other McMeal Deals.

Our Response:

Having access to healthier processed foods and fast foods can be advantageous to consumers trying to maintain a healthy weight. It also takes more than new food choices to successfully lose weight and keep it off. People become overweight for many reasons. Health experts have found genetic, social, emotional, and environmental factors all play a role in obesity. The OPTIFAST^® Program recognizes these facts and treats the whole person not just their weight.

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