FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nutrition Summit Should Have Specific Focus On "Science-Based Solutions" To Combat Obesity
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
WASHINGTON, DC, December 9, 1999 - A proposed national summit on nutrition should have a "narrow, specific, and precise" focus on science-based solutions to combat increasing rates of obesity across the United States, according to the Grocery Manufacturers of America.
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are sponsoring a National Nutrition Summit, tentatively set for May 30-31, 2000, to look at past accomplishments and present-day challenges in the food and nutrition policy arena. The Summit comes more than 30 years after the 1969 White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health.
Speaking before a USDA planning session for the upcoming summit, Lisa Katic, GMA Director of Scientific and Nutrition Policy, said that food and beverage companies want to continue to be part of the solution to improve nutritional habits for all Americans.
"It is apparent that the American public understands basic concepts of nutrition and that current labeling and educational materials - including industry-supported and industry-funded materials - provide sufficient information about the nutrient composition of marketed foods," said Katic, a registered dietitian.
"Yet despite all of this available information, we have seen new studies indicating rising rates of obesity among the American people, young and old alike. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by genetics, behavioral and lifestyle factors, excess calories and lack of physical activity.
"A lack of information on obesity is not the problem; the real challenge is changing behavior. We must focus on understanding the science-based factors that motivate individuals to follow a healthy diet, if progress is to be made in the areas of nutrition and lifestyle."
Katic added that the summit's focus should not stray into issues unrelated to nutrition, such as food safety and food labeling policy questions.
"Its focus on nutrition issues should be narrow, specific, and precise," she said.
Katic's testimony is available at www.gmabrands.com.
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The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org
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