IN THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST?

SPI Ignores Expert Nutrition Advice With “Best Snacks/Worst Snacks” Labeling

Washington, D.C., September 15, 2003 - The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition today praised the introduction of the Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT) as an important step toward an effective national strategy to combat the rising rates of overweight and obesity.

Disregarding a general consensus among nutrition experts to avoid labeling foods “good” or “bad,” the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) sought to make headlines Monday by releasing its list of “best snacks” and “worst snacks” for school vending machines.  In response, the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition called on CSPI to focus on real solutions to the nation’s growing obesity problem, such as building support for improving and increasing nutrition education and requiring regular physical education in our schools.

“As the American Dietetic Association and other nutrition experts will tell you, labeling foods as being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ won’t teach anyone how they can fit all foods into a healthy lifestyle.” said Dr. Susan Finn, chair of the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition and past president of the American Dietetic Association.  “Instead of simplistic labeling, groups like CSPI should focus on combating obesity by promoting real solutions, like teaching our children how to balance their diet appropriately and encouraging them to engage in regular physical activity.”

According to the American Dietetic Association’s Web site, the average number of hours per school year spent on nutrition education is 13, far below the minimum 50 hours thought necessary to impact behavior.  Finn also noted that only one state ­ Illinois ­ requires daily physical education for grades K-12.

“The fact is all food, when eaten in moderation, can be part of a healthy, balanced diet,” said Finn. “Offering quick-fix solutions may help sell books and make headlines, but only teaching our children how to balance their diets and getting them to engage in regular physical activity will reverse the obesity trend.”

CONTACT
Laura Sheehan
202.715.1526
laura@acfn.org

Christine Tucci
202.715.1517
christine@acfn.org

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION: The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a non-profit organization that brings together food and beverage companies, associations, and health and nutrition advocates to work toward viable long-term solutions to the nation's obesity epidemic. ACFN represents a diverse group of organizations and is guided by an advisory board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. ACFN works with partners to raise awareness of programs and policies that seek to improve health and wellness in America. For more information, please visit www.acfn.org.