The United States’ issues with obesity and healthy eating are well-documented, but health advocates and national policy makers still struggle to identify not only the problem’s solution, but also its many possible sources. According to Joe Heim of The Washington Post, candy may be the next suspect in the nation’s hunt for the causes of obesity, diabetes, and related health problems.
So what might this mean for candy? Individuals such as Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Interest of Public Health, advocate social and legal changes to reduce consumption of products like candy, and some legal changes have already taken effect. For example, in September of this year, candy, soda, and other unhealthy snacks were removed from public school cafeterias and vending machines. Additionally, public buildings in various US states and cities have begun removing candy and unhealthy snacks from their own vending machines, a regulatory move intended to support public health initiatives. Wootan hopes the changes won’t stop there; she will participate in an upcoming campaign to remove candy from the checkout aisles at grocery and convenience stores. Similar campaigns have already had success overseas; Tesco, the largest supermarket chain in the UK, committed to remove all candy from checkout lanes earlier this year.
However, candy manufacturers—also known as confectioners—express frustration with these measures and argue that their products are not the cause of America’s health problems. According to John Downs, chief executive of the National Confectioners Association (NCA), candy consumed in moderation “plays [a role] in a balanced lifestyle.” Keep in mind that the World Health Organization (WHO) defines moderate sugar consumption as no more than 5% of your daily caloric intake, which comes out to about 25 grams of added sugar per day. The NCA points out that candy makes up only 2% of the average American’s daily calories and cites studies showing that Americans who eat candy are no more likely to be overweight than Americans who don’t. On their website, the NCA provides links to further information, including infographics with guidelines for moderate candy consumption.
But if not candy, what is at the root of America’s health issues? More than likely, there is no simple answer, but David Kessler, former Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, points to one potential factor: “The issue is that all our food has been candified. . . . You make everything into candy, and you load and layer fat, sugar and salt into everything, and then you eat that constantly.” The average American eats about 110 grams of added sugar per day—more than four times the daily amount recommended by WHO. Whether that sugar comes from candy or another source, America’s out-of-control sugar consumption continues to generate concern.
—Katie Heil
