New research suggests that the leading tobacco companies, responsible for the infamous “smoking epidemic,” may also be partially to blame for the decline in Americans’ health. These tobacco giants, such as Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds, not only crafted addictive cigarette products but also developed a significant number of hyper-palatable foods, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Kansas. This alarming connection between tobacco companies and the introduction of addictive junk foods into the American diet raises questions about the impact of these companies on public health.
Tobacco Companies: From Cigarettes to Cookies
The study reveals that between 1988 and 2001, food producers owned by tobacco companies, like Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds, played a substantial role in influencing the U.S. food system. In a manner similar to how tobacco companies formulated cigarettes to maximize their addictiveness, these food producers employed similar tactics. They loaded their edible and drinkable products with excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, fat, sodium, and carbs, creating what researchers call a “hyper-palatable” eating experience designed to be artificially rewarding.
The study found that foods produced by tobacco-owned companies were 29% more likely to be classified as hyper-palatable due to their high fat and sodium content. Furthermore, these foods were 80% more likely to be ultra-high in carbohydrates and sodium compared to products from other companies. Although tobacco companies largely divested from the U.S. food system in the early 2000s, the legacy of their influence remains. These hyper-palatable foods continue to be staples of the American diet, contributing to obesity and related health problems among those who consume them.
During their ownership of various food companies, tobacco giants such as Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds had control over popular brands like Oreo, Ritz, Miracle Whip, and Oscar Meyer. Notably, Kraft-General Foods, created by Phillip Morris through a merger, became the largest food company in the world. These brands, once owned by tobacco companies, have become household names, showcasing the deep connection between tobacco and the food industry.
Lead author of the study, Tera Fazzino, warns that these hyper-palatable foods are designed to make people eat more than intended. It goes beyond personal choice and self-control; these foods can trick the body into consuming more than desired. The addictive qualities of these foods can lead to binge-eating episodes and food addiction, ultimately impacting individuals’ health.
Surprisingly, despite mounting evidence of the harmful effects of hyper-palatable foods, the United States has no federal regulations specifically targeting these foods. Unlike other countries, the U.S. does not restrict ingredients such as certain color dyes, brominated vegetable oil, and potassium bromate, which are banned elsewhere due to their negative health consequences. This lack of regulation allows these addictive foods to persist in the American diet, contributing to the rise in obesity and related health issues.
The prevalence of obesity among American adults has increased significantly over the years, paralleling the rise of processed foods and the control of the food chain by corporations. Between 1980 and 2000, the percentage of obese individuals rose from 15% to 30.9%, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. The World Health Organization points to the disappearance of fresh foods, corporate control over the food supply, and the mass production of processed foods as contributing factors to the obesity epidemic.
The recent study sheds light on the insidious influence of tobacco companies on the American food system. Not only did these companies craft addictive cigarette products, but they also introduced hyper-palatable foods into the market, contributing to the decline in public health. As young adults, it is crucial to be aware of the tactics employed by large corporations and the impact they have on our well-being. By making informed choices and advocating for stricter regulations, we can take control of our health and combat the harmful effects of these addictive junk foods.
