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GMA: OBESITY REQUIRES COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS


March 16, 2005, Washington, D.C. – Manly Molpus, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), today issued the following statement:

"Obesity is a serious public health issue, and the food and beverage industry is committed to helping Americans live healthier lifestyles. Over the past several years, food and beverage companies have launched numerous initiatives to address public concerns about obesity, including reviews of advertising and marketing practices.

"GMA members have introduced thousands of new and reformulated products that are lower in saturated and trans fats, sodium and sugar. Also, GMA members helped create the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition, a diverse coalition that collaborates with health professionals, educators, policy makers and others on comprehensive and sustainable approaches to reducing and preventing obesity.

"With regard to advertising, the food and advertising industries have a 30-year record of successfully working with the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) to monitor ads to children to ensure they meet strict guidelines. Individual companies also have internal policies and programs that ensure that communications to children are done responsibly. All of these industry efforts are under continual review to ensure they meet the highest possible standards.

"GMA and its member companies are participating in the Institute of Medicine’s study of the science-based effects of food marketing on the diets and health of children and youth in the United States. GMA welcomes the announcement by the chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the FTC and the Department of Health and Human Services will conduct a workshop to explore industry initiatives to address obesity.

"Effective solutions to obesity must take a comprehensive approach, incorporating sound nutrition, increased physical activity, consumer and parent education, and community support. Above all, the focus should be on giving parents the information they need to ensure their children eat a nutritionally-balanced diet and get the right amount of physical activity."

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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