Smaller Portions + Bigger Labels = Healthy Diets?

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Some 50 million Americans reportedly aren't just overweight, they're obese. In just the past 20 years, the problem has doubled, costing the country some $70 billion a year in medical bills alone. The greatest increase is among children, which suggests a bleak future if something isn't done soon. In the past few days, both the food industry and the federal government have announced new nutritional initiatives. Will smaller portions and bigger labels make for a healthier diet? Are the recent proposals a formula for a healthier society or a recipe for consumer confusion? We speak with a food writer, nutrition professionals and a representative of the food industry about trans fats, heart attacks, advertising and government regulation.

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OMB's 2004 budget documents

Center for Science in the Public Interest

FDA's better nutrition initiative

Kraft Foods- obesity initiative

Severson's article on trans fat

USDA-s Food and Nutrition Service

The Dreyfus Affair

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney