Finally, a tick for common sense!  The Heart Foundation has changed direction in its accreditation of fast food companies.

What message has the Heart Foundation really been sending by endorsing fast food outlets?

It may have finally understood that endorsing fast food was only damaging the Heart Foundation brand and, more importantly, the credibility of its big healthy tick.

Giving the tick to McDonalds was very strange, particularly as the fast food giant seemed to bury any of the items deemed to be its healthiest choices deep into its menu.

Walk into any McDonalds anywhere in the world and it’s immediately obvious the majority of the presented menu is selling hamburgers, fries and frozen desserts. You really have to look hard to find where their salads and healthier choices are located.

If McDonalds was really committed to changing the perception of fast food and promoting healthier lifestyles, why would  products endorsed by a leading health organization be hidden?

It really begs the question as to whether the Heart Foundation’s tick is merely being used to capitalise on the healthy food market to maintain a connection with customers who may go elsewhere. With increasing rates of obesity, Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a vendor of fatty, sugary and salty foods runs the risks of becoming a dinosaur unless drastic steps are taken.

To me, it seems to be business as usual.  For instance, billboards on freeway overpasses still show $1 burgers during lunchtime. Is this a corporation that’s really serious about promoting healthier food choices?

It’s like buying a Ferrari and putting a speed limiter that stops you from going over 100 km per hour. You have an engine powerful enough to propel 1300 kg to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds with a top speed of over 300 km/h, yet you can only drive 100km/h.

We all know we can only drive at the speed limit, but would it stop you buying a Ferrari if you had the means?

By moving away from fast food operators and placing a greater focus on cafes and restaurants with random sampling to determine fat and salt content, the Heart Foundation should be applauded for speeding in the right direction.

Written by Andrew Talati

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at 11:05 am by Andrew Talati and is filed under News.

Tags: health guidelines, Health Risks

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