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McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and other “junk food giants” may not have a spot at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Earlier this week, the London Assembly passed a motion calling for the implementation of strict criteria for sponsorship of the Games. The new criteria would exclude companies that produce high-calorie foods and beverages, especially those that have been linked to childhood obesity.
The Green Party’s Jenny Jones (who proposed the motion) told the Assembly: “London won the right to host the 2012 Games with the promise to deliver a legacy of more active, healthier children across the world. Yet the same International Olympic Committee that awarded the games to London persists in maintaining sponsorship deals with the purveyors of high calorie junk that contributes to the threat of an obesity epidemic.”
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and other prominent health organizations agree, noting that the presence of McDonald’s and Cocoa-Cola at the Games “sends out the wrong message” to children.
It’s Complicated
Wrong message or not, financial pressures may mean these companies are here to stay. Large corporations play a huge role in funding the Games, accounting for over 40 percent of Olympic revenues. McDonald’s and Coca-Cola in particular have been two of the Games’ most significant and prominent funders for decades – since 1976 and 1928, respectively!
Additionally, both companies are predictably pointing out their healthier offerings (e.g. bottled water, bagels, salads, and oatmeal), and leaning on the role of personal responsibility. A McDonald’s spokesperson explained: “Ultimately it’s up to individuals to make the right food, drink, and activity choices for themselves.”
But the numbers don’t lie. Researcher Terence Stephenson pointed out that companies wouldn’t spend all that money on advertising and event sponsorships if it didn’t translate to increased sales. Stephenson was quoted: “And we know, particularly when it comes to junk food advertising aimed at children, it does have an affect on the type of food they want to eat.”
Whether or not they are able to oust the “junk food giants” from this year’s Games, kudos to the Assembly for a bold move in the right direction.
Image Credit: vwb5/Flickr
McDonalds is located in the Cleveland Clinic, how do you think they are going to get rid of them at the Olympics?
At the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, regarded as one of the finest hospitals in the world, you can eat a Big Mac and have cardio bypass surgery within the same building.
Why not put a McDonald’s in a hospital? At this point what is the difference. We might as well look at setting up cocktail lounges at local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting spots… the customers are already there right?
Having a McDonald’s in a Hospital is a perfect setup and could not illustrate the symbiotic relationship between food and health more clearly. It demonstrates the complete lack of logic that the health system embraces; and the utter lack of common sense by those who provide it.
One more thing, don’t blame McDonalds. They agree there food is a poor choice and simply feel if you are dumb enough to eat it you might as well be near a hospital. They are doing us a favor… in fact they should consider opening hospitals as part of their expansion plans.
“McDonald’s maintains that it offers food to suit any diet, and says it is not to blame for people’s poor choices.”
Full Post & McDonald’s Response: https://wholefed.org/2012/04/12/573/
Ian Welch