Such a bill will be more costly for everyone involved, so the Republicans may also prefer the bill not be passed because they will want to save money. If they are also presented with petitions from consumers, they are likely to back off or fail to support measures taken by the FDA to promote labeling of high fat products. National Pizza must also realize that roughly 15% of economic activity (Ramsay 4) flows through the health sector, so the economic "stakes" of any policy that is changed or altered may be quite high (Ramsay 1995). The Republicans are not likely to enforce a bill that may have grave economic consequences on the economy. National Pizza can use this information to its benefit, by letting Congressman know through lobbying efforts just how detrimental to the economy labeling of food products as "high fat" may be.
National Pizza should then embark on an advertising campaign that promotes their products as part of a health diet that includes all foods in moderation. This will help people that are on the fence about buying the product after labeling, should this happen, make the decision to buy the products offered by national pizza anyway. There are many high fat products that are not labeled, but incorporated into healthy diets. Examples of these include avocados, nuts and nut butters. The key to National Pizza's success will be our ability to convince consumers and the government that labeling of products with high fat is no more effective for helping people control their weight and eating habits than is labeling fruits and...
People are just as likely to become overweight by eating foods that are labeled "low fat" or "sugar free." In fact, many people recognize their own tendency to eat more if a fob is labeled low fat. Rather than have people eat too little because a food may be labeled "high fat" despite any health benefits it may have, the FDA should spend its time educating consumers. Congress should promote bills that will encourage customers to become better educated about the foods they eat. They will make more money convincing people to buy organic products and fast food in moderation than they will simply labeling foods "high-fat" because such labels are not a true deterrent. People will always buy what is convenient for them.
The motion to promote labeling of high fat products is not an efficient tool for monitoring consumer's purchases or health. Citizens are more likely now than ever before to challenge labeling (Danaher & Mark 2003) and other bills or rules initiated by the FDA, because they want choices. If National Pizza remembers this in its marketing and lobbying campaigns it will become a winning player.
References
Berry, Jeffrey M. The New Liberalism, the Rising Power of Citizen Groups. New York:
Brookings Institution, 1999.
Danaher, Kevin and Mark, John. Insurrection: Citizen Challenge to Corporate Power.
New York: Routledge, 2003.
Ramsay, Craig. U.S. Health Policy Groups: Institutional Profiles, Westport: Greenwood
Press, 1995.
