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Nutrition Summit Should Have Specific Focus On "Science-Based Solutions" To Combat Obesity


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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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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