Apart from issues related to the safety of our foods, concerns about obesity are already influencing public policy decisions, including a recent Executive Order from the President, and the types of foods available to Americans in restaurants and grocery stores across the country. While some Americans are opting for organic and other healthier foods, most Americans do not feel particularly knowledgeable about health and nutritional value of the foods their family eats on a regular basis. In fact, only one quarter (27%) of Americans feel either extremely or very knowledgeable about the health and nutritional value of the foods their family eats.

Why are Americans Gaining Weight?

Recent studies, including the annual Harris Polls on the subject, indicate that roughly two-thirds of Americans are officially classified as either overweight or obese based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). While a variety of factors are influencing this trend, between sedentary lifestyles or food choices a majority of Americans (57%) feel sedentary lifestyles and a lack of physical activity play a larger role than individual food choices and eating habits (43%). This does lead to the question, can Americans just exercise their way to better health?

So What?

A great deal of progress has been made with respect to food quality, safety, nutritional content and affordability. Moreover, food labeling provides Americans with information they need to make good decisions about their health. Yet, with the publicity surrounding several recent food recalls as well as growing concerns about the problem of obesity in America, it is very likely that issues related to the safety and overall health and nutritional value of our nations foods supply will come under increasing pressure from the media, special interest groups and local, state and federal government.

According to Chris McAllister, Senior Research Director, Public Affairs and Policy Research, Harris Interactive, The reality is that no one benefits when problems with our nation ™s food supply emerges. Consumers deselect food products, food manufacturers and suppliers suffer from the backlash in the form of reduced sales and government feels the pressure to act.

Source: Harris Interactive