|
Disney to cut fat, sugar from food outlets
2006-10-16
The Walt Disney Company announced plans to cut fat and sugar from its food outlets and from licensed food products in the next two years. Disney becomes the latest company to focus on healthier food options and obesity prevention, including the elimination of trans fats, which have been linked to heart problems. "Disney will be providing healthier options for families that seek them, whether at our Parks or through our broad array of licensed foods," said Disney president and chief executive Robert Iger. "The Disney brand and characters are in a unique position to market food that kids will want and parents will feel good about giving them." The company said its plan calls for the elimination of added trans fats from food served at its theme parks by the end of 2007 and from its licensed and promotional products by the end of 2008. Trans fat, which is made when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, increases "bad" cholesterol levels, raising the risk of coronary heart disease, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new guidelines are initially aimed at the US market but will be "adapted internationally over the next several years," a company statement said. The new policies call for Disney to use its name and characters "only on kid-focused products that meet specific guidelines, including limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar," the statement added. The new policy calls for a "cap on calories that results in appropriate kid-sized portions," and ensuring that total fat will not exceed 30 percent of calories for most dishes and 35 percent for snacks. Added sugar will not exceed 10 percent of calories for most foods and 25 percent of calories for snacks. Disney said it has already begun using the guidelines on some items including instant oatmeal featuring characters like "The Incredibles" and "Kim Possible." Muzi.com News
| 
