Professor Janet Hoek queried the effectiveness of the food industry accord in the media recently. The Food Industry Group’s chairman reacted with a personal attack on Professor Hoek, rather than a debate on the issues raised.
Effectiveness of food industry accord challenged
Self-regulation by the food and advertising industries has failed to curb obesity and it is time for the Government to step in, says marketing researcher Professor Janet Hoek.
She outlines why the accord doesn’t work and identifies four areas that need government action.
Source: Massey University news, 14 Aug 2006
Group opposes Professor’s nanny state approach
Food Industry Accord chairman Jeremy Irwin disagrees with Professor Hoek.
Read more: Press release, Food Industry Group / Scoop, 14 Aug 2006
Food industry advocate challenged to debate obesity issues
Professor Janet Hoek rejects Food Industry Group claims that her call for more regulation as means of curbing obesity are part of a personal agenda.
Read more: Press release, Massey University / Scoop, 18 Aug 2006
FOE agrees
FOE takes a very similar position to Professor Hoek. We recently analysed the food industry accord’s impact on obesity and found it woefully inadequate. We included this analysis in our submission to the Health Select Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in NZ. It was based on the Food Industry Group’s September 2005 report. We look forward to their next one.
Read FOE’s submission to the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in NZ (PDF)