A news item update from a colleague on a new article published in the PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science) looking at the prevalence of corn isotopes in fast foods.
This new study researchers from the University of Hawaii sampled food from McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s chains and then used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis to trace the input materials from these large fast food chains.
From these findings they were able to infer the source of feed to meat animals, the source of fat within fries, and the extent of fertilization and confinement inherent to production.
What they discovered was the overwhelming majority of American fast food is based on a single source – corn. This study highlights the overwhelming importance of corn agriculture within virtually every aspect of fast food manufacturing. The presence of corn in so much of the food has some pretty striking implications.
…the fact that so much of said food can be traced back to corn has environmental implications. Corn feed is relatively cheap and provides farmers with a way of maximising the calories that their animals are eating for minimum cost.
But corn agriculture in the US is encouraged by heavy government subsidies, but has been criticised for being environmentally unsustainable. It encourages heavy use of both fertiliser (as revealed by the nitrogen isotope analysis) and pesticides.
if we eat just one hamburger, one chicken sandwich and one small order of fries we will be getting 50% of our recommended calories for the day, 80% of our carbs and 75% of our protein (90% for women). We would also be getting a full day’s worth of saturated fat. And all for just about $3.
This is a pretty remarkable nutritional bargain, but of course there are hidden costs (beyond the heart attack on a plate aspect). Corn as a feedstock is not only wasteful but highly subsidized. Our cheap meal is being paid for in other ways (taxes).
Bottom Line
While fast food may be tempting, because it is cheap and inexpensive, you may ultimately be paying for it in several ways, not only through poor nutrition, high calories and high fat intake, but also by supporting corn as a wasteful, subsidized and environmentally unsustainable food source.
According to Federal regulators from the Food and Drug Administration, Bayer has been illegally marketing two aspirin products that make unsubstantiated health claims about fighting heart disease and osteoporosis.
In both cases, the aspirin has been combined with a dietary supplement into a single pill.
Aspirin is often recommended by doctors to treat general aches and pains and in small doses (baby aspirin) as a blood thinner for patients with heart disease.
The two products in question:
Bayer Aspirin with Heart Advantage (Bayer Heart Advantage)–aspirin combined with phytosterols (a plant-based supplement also known as plant sterols)
These product formulations are not approved by FDA. The FDA has issued a warning letter to the Bayer Corporation.
Why the Warning?
Bayer has been marketing these products as pain relievers and as treatments for heart disease and osteoporosis. They claim that Bayer Heart Advantage helps in “reducing the risks of heart disease.”
The labeling for Bayer Women’s also claims that the product helps “fight” osteoporosis.
Treatments for heart disease and osteoporosis must be reviewed by government scientists and cannot be sold over the counter.
In addition the FDA has determined that these products have inadequate and misleading directions and warnings. Both products lack adequate directions and warnings for their safe use by consumers.
According to ABC News these results were discovered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been investigating drug advertising and the FDA’s oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturers for over a year.
Results from a study released this week by Consumer Reports found that only four of the 27 cereals tested rank as “very good.” Those that were judged to be “very good” are Cheerios, Kix, Life and Honey Nut Cheerios.
The majority of the cereals (23 of the top 27 cereals marketed to children) reviewed were classified as “good” or “fair.”
Rice Krispies only ended up with a “fair” rating. Although low in sugar it is also low in fiber. Cocoa Puffs and Frosted Flakes ended up in the “good” category because they had some fiber (1 gm) and were a good source of iron. Fruit Loops ended up with a “fair” rating, with a low fiber amount and 12 grams of sugar.
Two childrens’ cereals Honey Smacks (15 gms) and Golden Crisp (14 gms) classified as “fair” are more than 50 percent sugar by weight; this is as much sugar per serving as a glazed donut from Dunkin’ Donuts. This amount of sugar is less than the amount of sugar in a serving of yogurt.
The Classifications
Very Good – Relatively low in sugars, with some fiber; high in iron and a good source of calcium.
Good – Room for improvement in sugars and/or figer; high in or a good source of iron.
Fair – Eat only occasionally; most have a lot of sugar and too little figer; most are high in or a good source of iron, but not calcium.
The Good Cereals
Cheerios topped the list with only 1 gram of sugar and 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Cheerios
Kix
Honey Nut Cheerios
Life (Quaker Oats)
These four cereals earned points for relatively lower sugar and higher dietary fiber, the two categories weighed as most important.
Cereal Not Just for Children Anymore
While sugary cereals are heavily marketed to children ($229 million advertising dollars per year) an estimated 58 percent of children’s cereals are consumed by those over 18 a strong indication that childrens cereals are not just for children anymore.
Watch Serving Sizes
Another issue when eating cereals is to watch the serving size. Most children and many adults serve themselves 50 to 65 percent more than the serving size on the package or have a second serving which ultimately increases the number of calories eaten.
One student several years ago in my nutrition course admitted to eating a very large bowl of cereal, one that would hold three to four servings.
Paid subscribers can view the entire list of cereals reviewed at the Consumer Reports Website or for free at My Fox Twin Cities.
The Airborne company has fined $30 million by the Federal Trade Commission for false advertising, namely claiming Airborne can help reduce the length of a common cold. The makers of Airborne tablets have agreed to pay $30 million to settle the lawsuit.
Airborne is a dietary supplement that was created by a school teacher. Airborne is a proprietary combination of 17 vitamins, minerals and herbs.
The key ingredients in Airborne have been shown to help support a healthy immune system as shown in scientific studies and medical journals.
Airborne was created by Victoria Knight-McDowell, a second-grade teacher who got tired of catching colds from her students.
She started selling the product in 1997, three after Congress voted to allow dietary supplement makers to claim their products have an effect on a body structure or function, such as the immune system. Claiming to cure or treat illnesses requires FDA approval.
No Tangible Evidence to Support the Claims
Lydia Parnes, director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection said that “There is no credible evidence that Airborne products . . . will reduce the severity or duration of colds, or provide any tangible benefit for people who are exposed to germs in crowded places.”
Consumers who bought Airborne products between 2001 and 2008 have until Sept. 15 to apply for a refund for as many as six purchases, the FTC said. Claims will be paid by Oct. 15, 2008.
The FTC action adds $6.5 million to a previous class action settlement in which Airborne agreed to pay $23.5 million in customer refunds and attorney fees.
When I looked for Airborne on Amazon, the ‘Immune Boosting’ formulas were listed as being currently unavailable, but they had a whole host of other options, including a formula for children.
Labels for Sara Lee’s “Soft & Smooth Made With Whole Grain White Bread” will have to be changed to make it clear that the product is only 30 percent whole grain not as part of an agreement the company has reached with the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
The consumer advocacy group had threatened in December 2007 to sue Sara Lee because the company’s claims of “whole grain goodness” on Soft & Smooth have been misleading.
The bread is really made mainly from refined white flour, not whole grains.
Other Misleading Product Statements
The Center for Science in the Public Interest also points out that plenty of food companies try to give consumers the impression that their white-flour-based products are “made with whole grain” even if there is only a small amount. Kraft uses phrases like “good source of whole grain” or “excellent source of whole grain” on labels even if the product is mostly refined white flour.
CSPI litigation director Steve Gardner points out that
Companies that use the phrase ‘whole grain’ absolutely have the legal responsibility under state consumer protection laws to disclose exactly how much whole grain is there.
Yet another case of Caveat emptor or Let the Buyer Beware.
No wonder our perception of beauty is so distorted.
This advertisement from Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty shows the transformation of an ‘ordinary’ model into what we see on the cover shot. Beyond just changes in makeup and hair, the video also shows the digital transformation that takes place.
With two young daughters and knowing the young girls in particular can start worrying about their weight as early as age 5-6, I am very concerned about the impact the media has on our youth. They estimate that average US girl has the opportunity to see over 77,000 commercials by the time she is 12 years old.
Dove’s Onslaught Ad takes a look at how the fashion and beauty industry advertising is having an impact on our children, in particular our young girls.
Talk to your daughter before the beauty industry does.
This advertisement from Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty shows many of the fashion images that a young girl will be exposed to in the media.
While I like Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, but they are still in the business themselves of selling beauty products.
This new study researchers from the University of Hawaii sampled food from McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s chains and then used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis to trace the input materials from these large fast food chains.…the fact that so much of said food can be traced back to corn has environmental implications. Corn feed is relatively cheap and provides farmers with a way of maximising the calories that their animals are eating for minimum cost.
According to Federal regulators from the Food and Drug Administration, Bayer has been illegally marketing two aspirin products that make unsubstantiated health claims about fighting heart disease and osteoporosis.
Results from a study released this week by Consumer Reports found that only four of the 27 cereals tested rank as “very good.” Those that were judged to be “very good” are Cheerios, Kix, Life and Honey Nut Cheerios.
Airborne is a dietary supplement that was created by a school teacher. Airborne is a proprietary combination of 17 vitamins, minerals and herbs. 
Labels for Sara Lee’s “Soft & Smooth Made With Whole Grain White Bread” will have to be changed to make it clear that the product is only 30 percent whole grain not as part of an agreement the company has reached with the 
