Generally consumers are told to be aware before buying something and it is their responsibility to be informed about their purchases.
So, it might seem odd when certain companies are working hard to make sure that only partial data is revealed to the consumers and hinder them from making wise decisions.
Last week, a Field Poll conducted statewide in California found out that 78% of voters support placing labels on sugary drinks, which warn the buyers of possible health hazards, compared to the survey conducted two years ago when the percentage was 74%.
However, the beverage and the soda industry have spent millions of dollars over the last couple of years trying to prevent this regulation, according to Los Angeles Times.
Unfortunately, it is not only the beverage industry, which has been fighting against this. The agriculture industry has also raise voice against labels for genetically modified foods and ingredients used in food products.
The message thus seems clear, i.e. the consumers should make informed decisions yet only partially informed.
"The information consumers need to make choices is being thwarted by big businesses," said Dr. Harold Goldstein, executive director of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, which advocated the poll for labels on sugary drinks.
"This is the critical issue in public health today - the extent to which companies are undermining the health of the American people," he mentioned. "They make products that harm the health of people and then use their profits to influence lawmakers not to do anything about it."
Although some might think that these agendas do not harm anyone, yet it does in a strange. For instance, last week, a bill died in the State Senate Health Committee which was supposed to make it compulsory for makers of sports drinks, soda and similar items to place a warning label which said, "drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay."
Thus, as a consumer, everyone should take effort in spreading the news, and be informed about the regulations pertaining to food materials.
