The Change Mariner

UK obesity epidemic not our fault, say food firms

Independent:
The heads of McDonald's, Cadbury Schweppes and Pepsi said yesterday that their products were not to blame for Britain's obesity epidemic.

The chief executives of the three companies claimed that heavy marketing of junk food, "super size" portions and offers of promotional toys had little effect on what most people ate.

Andrew Cosslett, the managing director of Cadbury Schweppes, said: "There is no correlation between confectionery consumption and obesity. All the evidence suggests that people eat our products extremely sensibly.

"The problem is that people are buying things that they think are low-fat, products that are masquerading as healthy with misleading labels." Mr Cosslett claimed that products such as low-fat yoghurts were more to blame for the rising rate of obesity than sweets. "There is nothing dangerous about a Curly Wurly," he said.

He and the heads of Britain's other leading food companies were giving evidence to the House of Commons Health Select Committee investigation into obesity.

The committee is considering whether to recommend a ban on television advertising of high-fat and sugary foods during children's viewing times, and the introduction of cigarette-style health warnings on junk food. One in five people in Britain is classed as overweight or obese and rates have tripled among children.

Campaigners say the aggressive marketing of sweets, crisps and soft drinks, using sporting heroes such as Gary Lineker for Walkers crisps and cartoon characters for McDonald's Happy Meals, encourages people to eat poor diets. Increased portion sizes, such as "go large" burger meals and extra large chocolate bars, have also been blamed.

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