McDonald’s and KFC help UK write health policy on obesity–seriously!

If you want insight into the causes of obesity, you could consult nutritionists who specialize in helping the obese gain control of their weight.

Or you could go to the source and consult with the people who run McDonald’s, KFC, Kellogg’s and PepsiCo.

The UK Department of Health (DoH) has done just that. But they’ve actually gone one better. The Guardian (a UK newspaper) reports that the four companies mentioned above will actually be called on to help write the DoH policy on obesity.

DoH!

While they’re at it, why not invite Merck, Pfizer, and Lilly to help write pharmaceutical safety regulations? I’m sure they’d have a lot of great ideas!

Of course, it’s well known that food processing corporations apply powerful influence every time the USDA revises dietary policies. But at least they exercise a little discretion when it comes to flexing corporate money muscles behind the scenes.

In the UK, however, this relationship is just flat out brazen.

The Guardian reports: “In early meetings, these commercial partners have been invited to draft priorities and identify barriers, such as EU legislation, that they would like removed.”

Yikes!

Obesity in the UK? Better stand back–it’s going to get big!

Source:
“McDonald’s and PepsiCo to help write UK health policy” Felicity Lawrence, The Guardian, 11/12/10, guardian.co.uk