Obesity is one of the major public health issues of our time. 30 percent of Americans suffer from it. There are many factors that contribute to this country’s bulging belly, not the least of which is America’s appetite — some say “addiction” — to fast food.
Some public health advocates are arguing that in order to get fast food restaurants and food companies to stop serving such fatty fare, they should be taken to court. Those in the food and restaurant industries though, say that what people eat is a matter of personal responsibility, plain and simple.
To make sure they never get dragged into the courtroom, some fast food companies are helping sponsor what are called the cheeseburger bills which are designed to prevent their industry from being sued for the ill effects of obesity.
Guests:
Victor Schwartz, legal consultant to the National Restaurant Association
Richard Daynard, professor of law at Northeastern University
and Paul Krugman, New York Times columnist.