Consumers want better industry efforts to combat obesity

According to a public opinion survey commissioned by the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD), 82 percent of Americans think food companies should be making a greater effort to reformulate for more better-for-you products.

Although this is a high percentage, it compares with 90 percent in Britain, 89 percent in Spain and 87 percent in Hungary.

The survey, which gathered answers from more than 1,000 individuals in each of these four areas, also looked at junk food advertising, government involvement in childhood obesity and labeling.

The study found that only 17 percent of Americans thought food manufacturers do not need to make any greater efforts to reformulate.

However, figures released recently from a Grocery Manufacturers Association's poll found that a staggering 92 percent of the food companies that took part said they are reformulating or introducing new products that have reduced fat or sugar.