Should we put WARNING labels on food like they do on cigarettes?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 03:11:36 -0400

I have come to look at the studies at the mortality rate of Americans. Heart disease is the top killer with 611,105 deaths a year. The causes of this are diabetes, Overweight and obesity, Poor diet, Physical inactivity, and an Excessive alcohol use. Diet and physical activity play the key part in this. But we don't really address this as much as we do other areas.

Smoking is really less of a problem. Lung Cancer death are nearly one third of that of Heart Disease. But we really don't put anywhere this much of an effort to stop poor dieting as we do toward smoking.

Really we accept those who are severely unhealthy. Recently the FDNY had to use a crane and a cargo net to get a ill 800 person out of her apartment for healthcare. Well shouldn't we be doing something to discourage this.

Should we use label on fattening unhealthy food as we do in the cigarette industry? When you get your fries you should have to see how much of your percentage of your daily caloric intake you are about to consume. If you seen that quick meal at your fast food place is 1,800 calories alone for just one meal maybe they would think twice about it.

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 3:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 03:15:49 -0400

Yes! Absolutely!

We are become America the Fat and apparently it is a show me country as well. Saturated Fats in so much fast food is doing a whole lot damage and I think if they start letting people know just how bad some of this stuff is for them it may make a difference. Then again it may not.

Warning labels on cigarettes and folks still smoke up. But at least there is the warning label.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 23 at 2015 3:18 AM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 03:18:22 -0400

Sounds like something the FLOTUS would be interested in... :) But personally, yes, especially when you add up the cost of treating preventable diseases such as these, and how that drives up the cost for others who gain these diseases through the normal course of life, such as diabetes and those that come due to old age.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 23 at 2015 4:17 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 04:17:00 -0400

Why Not. Although in this day and age of information, most of it is common knowledge just a matter if you want to believe the science or not.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 23 at 2015 7:40 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 07:40:51 -0400

From a simple pragmatic stance. No.

Who the heck reads the warning label on Cigarettes & Tobacco now? What percentage of people read the health information on their food? (and of note, I actually do).

There's a certain point where you have to go. "This is common knowledge. We know this isn't health food."

I am not my brothers keeper. I am not my neighbors keeper. And frankly it's none of the government's business telling me it's "unhealthy" to have a 16oz Steak and 3 fingers of Scotch for dinner. No @#%^ it's "unhealthy." I'm perfectly fine with them verifying it's "safe" however. That's a different issue.

Safety regulation is one thing. That's making sure companies aren't producing "poison." Health regulation is other people telling me I, as an individual am too stupid to eat properly. I'm sorry but not their job, and not a rabbithole they want to go down.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 23 at 2015 8:41 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 08:41:35 -0400

There are already nutrition labels on virtually every food item you buy, even fast food. If people do not know the dangers of over eating, eating unhealthy food and lots of it then they are likely too unwilling or ignorant to read one more label telling them they are making a bad decision.

The information about health/content available on food, in advertisement and on the internet is staggering. When you compare the amount of information available regarding the issue of obesity and heart disease in this country vs previous generations it is clear more information has not really helped. We are fatter than ever with more information, data, warnings and campaigns than ever. If information and labels solved this we would already be thinner and better fit than previous generations.

This is not all intake, it is also output. It is an irony that when watching television you can see stories on the news (almost back to back) about childhood obesity and children going to bed hungry.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 10:44 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 10:44:08 -0400

As long as they are going to put chemicals and crap in them, sure. I've seen studies where a lot of the chemicals we ingest end up in fat cells because the body can't digest them. I've a co-worker from Brazil who says she eats like a pig when she goes home and loses weight. She is just as active here and gains weight. The big difference is that she eats fresher and less preprocessed foods when she visits her family.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Aug 23 at 2015 10:53 AM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 10:53:33 -0400

Yeah it would be funny, But I am guessing much like smokes the people who would be the one eating it would not care and would just eat it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 11:16 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:16:07 -0400

Let me be blunt:
Everyone over the age of seven knows that fatty food is bad for you. The kind of people who will blame the manufacturers and restaurants for their food choices affecting their health are not the kind of people who will read a label and alter their habits.
This whole idea from the perspective of the industry is to inoculate themselves from litigation - foolish when juxtaposed with tobacco settlements. From the consumer standpoint, it gives information, which is good, I guess.

People want to do what they want without consequences, and blame others for their poor choices. I have no time for perpetual victims.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 12:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:45:03 -0400

Well, those warning labels don't stop people from smoking. So, I doubt it would stop people from eating some McD's large fries.

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 23 at 2015 1:22 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 13:22:43 -0400

I live in the "Live free or die" state. That means people take responsibility for their own choices---over 18 people do not have to wear a seat belt in their POV. Bike riders do not need a helmet. Responsible people will do the smart thing. I look at it as as natural selection of the species. I like that. There are other laws that are good, here, too. No state income tax so we are not paying for the idiots who are irresponsible.
I smoked. I have been overweight and not overweight. Dumb. I have PTSD and a few years ago was diagnosed with Macular degeneration. No more smoking. I have to be responsible for my life. I love good chocolate and I can cook Italian and German food. Now I have to cook the nutritious Italian and German food--neiter is all about pasta and potatoes and spaetzle.
Until people start taking responsibility for their own lives and own their own their lives, we are a sick and sucking society. As military and former military, we know how to own what we do and we generally do without making excuses--we certainly know the difference between an excuse and a reason. I think we are ok. I think some of the problems are in the civilian sector or with us as we get to in to the civilian sector and forget who we were as military. We have to keep a part of that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 2:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 14:13:08 -0400

It's not the food, its the inactivity thats causing heart disease. Labels should say "to avoid gaining weight, you will have to do 196 pushups to burn off this small order if fries". Lol. Labels should state the amount of activity to offset the food consumed. I can't believe I putting this idea out there, someone is going to make money off my great idea.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 5:02 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 17:02:15 -0400

Never known a head of lettuce to kill anyone directly or indirectly through "secondhand lettuce smoke!!!"

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 23 at 2015 11:40 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:40:41 -0400

In some places they already do. See New York City.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Aug 24 at 2015 3:45 AM

CPT Russell Pitre — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 03:45:58 -0400

I think some pictures of what it can do to or the the death rates would be a good thing to post on it.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 24 at 2015 7:16 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 07:16:50 -0400

We might want to consider warning labels at the ballot box:

Warning: The person you are about to vote for might win and they might put their policies into place. Voting without understanding the candidates positions and policies could have a disastrous effect on the country. Voting for the wrong candidates can cause poverty, domestic malaise, global fecklessness and deep regret.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 24 at 2015 9:48 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:48:21 -0400

The labels haven't really deterred those that want to smoke, drink, or excessively eat. You could place it in big neon signs above it and folks still won't heed the warnings. There's been studies published, many folks know someone that's had an issue with smoking or obesity. But until that person is mentally ready to change, and realize that said change has to become their lifestyle, no amount of prodding or ridicule is going to help.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Oct 27 at 2015 10:21 AM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 10:21:54 -0400

Honestly I'm surprised producers do not put it on their products already simply as a CYA for themselves.
If coffee has to come with "hot" warning labels it is not too far distant that we will see a food blister blaming the BigMac for his/her condition.

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 28 at 2015 9:21 AM

SGT William Howell — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 09:21:22 -0400

Yes. I did not know bacon was addictive. Now nothing is as good unless it has bacon on it. I am ruined. If there had only been a warning I could have had just plain cheese burgers and been happy never knowing the sweet, salty, pork belly of goodness on it.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 28 at 2015 9:33 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 09:33:33 -0400

I believe nutritional facts are enough. Warning labels are unnecessary.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 26 at 2016 12:16 AM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:16:17 -0400

Despite what a bunch of nanny staters think, the government has no obligation to protect me from myself. Not only is it not expected, it is highly resented.

The nearest metropolitan area near me has more than its fair share of 20-somethings and
30-somethings who have not learned to mind their own business. They think nothing of walking up to a stranger in a restaurant and saying "Red meat is really bad for you". I have two favorite responses.

1) "You know what else is bad for your health? Offering me your unasked for opinion on how I should run my life."
2) "That would mean something to me, if I wasn't terminally ill and expected to die in the next 60 days. Thanks for ruining one of the last family meals I will have before I die." (Not really terminally ill)

Response by SGT Mary G. made Mar 18 at 2024 3:28 PM

SGT Mary G. — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:28:05 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Yup. The potato is not so bad - we do need a warning, though, about the type of cheap, GMO/GE oil that causes health problems.
No quick fix. As stated consistent long-term good diet and plenty of physical activity are the key.