Fast Food Chains' Responsibility for Obesity

With their promise of quick service, low prices and delicious fare, fast-food restaurants have long been a fixture of American life. From its modest beginnings with a handful of hot dog and hamburger stands in California, the fast-food industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Indeed, this lucrative industry's most popular companies, such as McDonald's Corp., KFC Corp. (formerly Kentucky Fried Chicken), Burger King Corp. and Wendy's International Inc., have become powerful symbols for U.S. economic and cultural dominance.

As fast-food outlets have become more numerous, their popularity has continued to grow. The popularity of fast food has caused alarm in some quarters. Some observers contend that the growth of the fast-food industry has had ill effects on American life. Among the charges that have been leveled against fast food is that it has contributed to a decline in the health of Americans. Commentators point to recent data that show that Americans are more obese than ever--and more prone to obesity-related diseases--as indicative of the link between the growth of the fast-food industry and the worsening of the nation's health.

The growing evidence of a link between poor health and fast food has driven some people to take action against the fast-food industry. Some people alleged that products that were harmful to consumers' health and these products are marketed aggressively, particularly to children.

The litigation against fast-food restaurants has sparked a debate over the responsibility of the industry for the health of its customers. Supporters of the litigation say that the fast-food industry should be held responsible for the growing epidemic of obesity and overweight-related illnesses in America. They claim that fast-food restaurants act irresponsibly in failing to adequately inform consumers of the health risks involved in eating fast food.

Backers have also expressed concern about the clout of the fast-food industry, particularly through its advertising. They contend that the industry's focus on marketing to children has contributed directly to the worsening health of the nation's youth. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim that in the absence of new regulatory legislation that covers fast-food restaurants, litigation might be the best way to force fast-food companies to act more responsibly.

Critics of the litigation dismiss it as a frivolous action aimed at extorting money from fast-food companies. They say that blaming fast-food restaurants for the poor health of certain individuals discounts the role personal responsibility plays in a healthy lifestyle. Besides, critics say, fast food is not the only cause of obesity. They point out that other foods, not to mention genetics and lack of exercise, also contribute to obesity and health problems.

Those who oppose the lawsuits also say that fast-food restaurants do in fact provide consumers with enough nutritional information to make thoughtful judgments about whether the food is healthy for them. They also point out that whenever restaurants have included healthier options on their menus, they have proven to be unpopular with consumers. Finally, critics of the lawsuits assert, the rising concern over obesity and nutrition is overblown to begin with. They claim that government standards of obesity are seriously flawed, and that the nation is in fact healthier than alarmists claim it to be.

The litigation against fast-food companies may still be in its early stages, but the battle lines in the debate have already been drawn. Should fast-food restaurants be held responsible for the obesity and other health problems of its customers? Or is the move to sue fast-food companies nothing more than a baseless effort to blame the industry for the choices that consumers make?

Sources
Berman, Richard. "All-out Assault by Food Cops: When Will It End?" USA Today (August 14, 2002)

Copeland, Libby. "Snack Attack: After Taking on Big Tobacco, Social Reformer Jabs at a New Target: Big Fat." Washington Post (November 3, 2002)

Goldberg, Jonah. "The Anti-Big Mac Attack." National Review (July 15, 2002)