Central Methodist University
Nancy Bumler
April 19, 2011
Tobacco Inhales Fast Food People would probably agree that both food and tobacco consumption can be addictive. Overeating, or gluttony as it is termed, is even referenced in the Holy Bible. Philippians 3:19 reads, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” and Proverbs 23:2 says, “And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.” Therefore, in translation “given to appetite” would be considered an addiction, and by comparison; fast food is as much of health risk as is tobacco.
Most people are probably unaware that at the end of 1988, Philip Morris Companies purchased Kraft Foods and in 2000 they purchased Nabisco. Many of the fast food products come from these giant conglomerates. Children were the main target of the tobacco companies back in the 1960’s and today, they are the target of the fast food industry as well. The tobacco companies recognized their marketing strategies worked for tobacco, so why not apply the same strategy to their newly acquired product lines? I have to ask, how can these fast food corporate executives live with themselves, knowing that their marketing practices are deceptive, and consumption of their products can be addictive? Why is tobacco so strictly regulated, yet fast foods corporations can do as they please, marketing their unhealthy addictive food without concern for their customer’s health? The answer is; the fast-food and tobacco companies primary concerns lies with creating profit for their shareholders.
How can the average consumer know what is in their sandwich or salad for that matter, when prepared fast foods don’t even fall under the FDA labeling laws? David Zinczenko, editor in-chief of Men’s Health magazine, points out that “One company’s Web site lists its chicken salad as containing 150 calories; the almonds and noodles that come