Restaurant and Food Service Blog

From CNN.com – During an interview on BBC’s Radio Four program in the United Kingdom, John Schnatter, said, “you can’t eat five or six slices.”

Obesity epidemic shows perils to health reform

It is about time that someone in the industry speak up about the responsibility of obesity in regards to the food that is served by the major chains. I was at the 2008 MUFSO conference in Washington, DC where many there did not feel a direct responsibility for the obesity epidemic. For years, the cigarette industry shrugged off its responsibility to warn its customers of the dangers of its products and even went as far as targeting children and teenagers – the next wave of new smokers.

How is the chain restaurant industry any different from the cigarette manufacturers?

Not much in my opinion. There is nothing wrong with either industry. But a sense of obligation and responsibility is also necessary for this industry to be upfront and honest with its customers. With nearly 2/3 of Americans considered by the CDC as either overweight or obese, there needs to be a change. There is nothing wrong with any of the meals from any of the chains out there. And ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide what they want to put in their body.  And the responsiblity of the consumer to know that Big Macs will make you fat!

There have been some who have gone as far as recommending that there are food warning labels to help curb obesity in the US.

Where do you stand on the issue?