The Nutrition Foundation Strikes Again
We had not heard from the Nutrition Foundation for a long time. They’re the alter-ego of the American Council on Science and Health. Like ACSH, the Nutrition Foundation sounds like an unbiased, scientific pillar of society. But the pillars have a few cracks, and this became very apparent on October 16, when they held a press conference in Washington, DC.
The Board of Trustees of the Nutrition Foundation includes the top officers of the major food corporations (Coca Cola, Swanson, Oscar Mayer, General Foods, Lipton, General Mills, Dow Chemical, to name a few). The N. F. flew in their scientists from Utah, New York, and North Carolina, rented a room in the National Press Building, brought in their paid staff, and passed out slick information packages. NF’s scientists told a packed room of reporters that the effect of food dyes on behavior was insignificant.
In response to some very challenging questions, the NF spokesman admitted to some errors in their interpretation, and the scientific confidence began to appear a bit shaky.\
A small group of Feingold parents representing FAWA and FAUS held their own press conference afterward. (Ours was held on the sidewalk outside the Press Building … the “rent free” district.) Most of the TV and radio stations gave the Feingold side equal or greater coverage.
Particular thanks go to the members who helped to counteract the damaging effect of the Nutrition Foundation’s publicity: Mike Morrison, Dee Anne Treadway, Rod Frederick, Trish Frederick, Jane Hersey.
One of the questions a reporter asked was why we went to all this trouble when our children were doing so well. There were two answers — gratitude and anger. The gratitude is for all the help we received when we needed it so desperately. The anger is our response to the industry’s blatant disregard for our welfare and that of our children. Does it make you angry too? That anger can be turned into action. A few people can make a difference!
Here are a few things you can do. These “jobs” require only a few minutes of your time:
- Talk to people about our program – especially your doctor.
- Mail us the name of an interested friend or professional and w will send them a complimentary newsletter and/or information brochure.
- Mail in the letters and post the fliers that appear in our newsletter.
If you can spare an hour or two a month:
- We need help with publicity. This involves sending out announcements of meetings to the press, TV or radio. No experience is necessary; we will teach you the procedure and supply the information.
If you can give us an occasional evening:
- You can become a speaker and address interested parents. The only requirement is that your family follows the program and you know it works. We will provide an outline and any material you need.
You can be sure the Nutrition Foundation will be back again soon with another well-financed campaign to feed us their propaganda along with their junk food.
By the way, you might be interested in knowing what the Nutrition Foundation provided as a mid-morning snack for members of the press. Their idea of “nutrition?” — Coke, 7-Up and Tab!
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You Can’t “Rely” on Food Labels
One of the additives found in most ice creams is carboxymethylcellulose, which gives it creaminess and body without having to use the more expensive natural ingredients. (Since ice cream manufacturers don’t have to tell you what’s in their product, you won’t find this on the label.)
If this additive sounds familiar, it’s probably because you have read about it in recent news articles. Carboxymethylcellulose is the major ingredient in the ill-fated Rely tampons.
