Artificial Trans Fat Ban in New York City Essay

Ever notice how the choice of restaurants varies depending on where you live? Major fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King can be found just about anywhere, whereas, restaurants with healthier options are few, if not none in some lower income areas. The major fast food chain restaurants are mostly located in lower income neighborhoods on every corner right across from one another. On the other hand, fast food restaurants are rarely seen in higher income neighborhoods, their maybe be one or two a few miles apart from one another. In higher income neighborhoods, there are healthier restaurants to choose form that wouldn’t cause obesity and high-blood pressure in the population, because of the choices to choose a healthier

In the 21 century, people are suffering from all kinds of diseases and over 85% of them are caused by, an unhealthy, diet. In the United States, 25% of Americans eat fast food every day, which can cause heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, starting with overweight. McDonalds, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Burger King are very popular, fast food restaurant selling their burgers and fries in the airport, street shop, next to Wal-Mart and college.

In every company, they deal with internal and external factors that affect every day business. External factors include oil price change, new laws and regulations for building codes, food distribution and many more. Companies that wish to succeed in their business should try and anticipate these internal and external factors. By identifying a companies opportunities and threats, a company can protect themselves from future harm and take advantage of opportunities that they have prepared for. Analyzing the opportunities and threats can be crucial for a company to turn a profit, expand the company across the country, and bring in and keep new and old customers.

New York has become the first city to require chain restaurants to post calorie counts on their meus and to ban trans fats

This point of view makes sense because as stated by Bert Glass on “Should the Government Regulate What We Eat?” that “while it is easy enough to view the ban on trans fats as an isolated incident, such a ban ultimately puts the American values of freedom and individualism in jeopardy.” Resulting that America wouldn’t be a democratic country anymore which freedom of speech still exists. Therefore, Americans wouldn’t be able to choose what they want on a daily basis. However, for the safety of everyone, this regulation should be

It is the United States Government’s responsibility to value public health and attempt to remedy the problem of obesity. Although obesity is clearly a problem in America, the government has yet to play a key role in being a part of the solution. The government has the power and the resources to improve public health, yet it allows the food industry to continue with harmful and deceitful practices. If the government does choose to impose stricter regulations on the food industry, it will be faced with many challenges. The government must find ways to regulate the food industry that will decrease instances of obesity, without making Americans feel like they are losing their freedom to choose what they want to eat.

We as Americans live in a nation that has succumbed to the obesity epidemic. Research shows that “Over the past 25 years, U.S. obesity prevalence has doubled, and Americans are consuming more meals away from home” (Auchincloss). Civilians are eating foods that are driving them on a path towards high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer without them even realizing it. The main benefactor of these diseases are said to be chain restaurants who are feeding individuals food that could possibly be detrimental to their health and shorten their lifespans. About six years ago, Philadelphia passed a law called the Menu Labeling Law that made it necessary for all chain restaurants with fifteen or more outlets to provide nutritional information about the food they serve to their customers in hopes of combatting this epidemic. “According to statistics from the mayor’s office, in 2008 64 percent of adults and 57 percent of children in Philadelphia were overweight or obese” (Mayes). These statistics are astounding to even grasp. Many businesses took this law as something that would harm their profits while the government believed it would sway the obesity rates to the smaller side of the spectrum, but when it came to health it was what people needed to steer them in the right direction. One chain restaurant in particular that must follow this law is the Subway right on Liacouras walkway. In relation to health this law serves as a

One can describe trans-fat as unhealthy due to the preconceived notion that fat is essentially bad. Which is correct when moderation isn’t put into place by individuals who are in control of their own diets. Trans fats are mixed in with everyday snacks and there hasn’t been much of a benefiting factor for those who consume them regularly. Health problems such as heart disease are known to be linked with the product yet is being consumed regularly by a majority of the population. Those who control their own consumption should be made aware of the harmful factors of trans fat but banning trans fat as a whole isn’t very realistic. Government ruling to ban trans fat will diminish the freedom of choice for those who resign in Hallowell when considering

Traditionally, the fast food industry has been associated with the cause of this health-related issue (Boyle 2004). Major fast food companies have been called to Federal Government summits to improve the quality of junk food (Wright 2007). While most of these major companies have now taken

There are over 240,000 fast-food restaurants in the united and over 50 million consumers daily. Fast food appeals to so many because of the low price, great taste, and convenience. Most consumers are aware that what they are eating isn’t healthy. However, 52% of Americans believe doing taxes is easier than maintaining

Fast food is responsible for the increase of obesity rates in Western nations. In order to curb obesity rates, government regulation from the local level is necessary. The fast food corporations are responsible for the obesity epidemic because they make false health claims about their food and market heavily to children. But critics of regulation state that individuals, along with their food choices are responsible for the obesity epidemic. But regulation proponents believe that fast food needs regulation because of high obesity rates in poor inner city neighborhoods. In order to curb current obesity rates, local governments must intervene by implementing fast food regulations.

Perhaps the most beneficial of these policies are labeling laws. Some may think they are unnecessary, but nutritional labels are incredibly useful to those desiring a healthful lifestyle. Without them, people blindly select harmful foods. Studies have shown that almost 50% of people that eat at fast food restaurants use the nutritional information given to them, proving that this material can be extremely useful in regulating unhealthy foods. This information gives consumers the opportunity to select a rewarding option; one that both complements their busy schedules and helps their bodies function to the fullest extent. It is recommended that people consume between 1,000 and 2,000 calories daily; a delicate balance that requires constant attentiveness. If customers are not given the tools to be vigilant, then caloric intake will sky-rocket. Many consumers are blind to the fact that a single whopper contains 630 calories. That is about one third of the suggested daily intake. Once enlightened with facts such as these, some may wish to adopt better habits, and will have the resources to begin that transformation. Not only is regulation informing the public on how to make healthy decisions, but it also provides alternative, more nourishing options. One example of this would be the efforts of New York City. During the summer of 2008, they made a calculated decision to omit trans fat from their

The fight against obesity has been increasingly tough as of lately. In most aspects, it might even seem like the United States is losing the battle. Greatly impacting the outcome of the battle are factors like chain restaurants, corner stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, as well as mobile vendors. Recognizing how a community's food environment influences its public health is vital in assuring healthy growth. Cities and counties around the country have sought to encourage and monitor the quality and quantity and to promote healthier options of what people eat in their communities, by implementing various regulations and incentives. There is a range of recommended policy options for increasing access to healthy foods and decreasing the predominance

Everything we put into our bodies can affect our health in many ways. Millions of Americans eat at fast food joints daily. That number is growing with every year that passes. Americans

The idea of implementing Fat Tax on junk food in the U.S. has been in the works for quite some time. California is first in the nation to implement the “fat tax”. This tax will be applied to any items containing more than 2.3% saturated fat, including, dairy products such as cheese and milk, processed foods, pizza, soda, and candy. The purpose of such a tax is to deter consumers from purchasing these unhealthy foods and lower the obesity rate. According to Ogden, Carroll, Kit and Flegal (2014), “prevalence of obesity in the United States is high, with one-third of adults and 17% of children obese” (“Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States”, 2014).The number of obese children is alarming, albeit, significant measures have been taken in schools to provide healthier meals. Unfortunately, there is little guidance when it comes to food choices at home. Fat tax on junk food will provide consumers with the guidance and encouragement needed to make healthier food choices.