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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Michelle Obama Rejects Demonizing Twinkies In Her Anti-Obesity Crusade -- Politics Daily

Michelle Obama Rejects Demonizing Twinkies In Her Anti-Obesity Crusade -- Politics Daily

The 300-member grocery trade group Mrs. Obama spoke to on Tuesday represents major food, beverage and consumer products companies. The industry is already responding to consumer and government demand for healthier products and cutting back on ads tempting children with food heavy in sugar, salt, and calories. In introducing Mrs. Obama, Richard Wolford, the chairman, president and chief executive of Del Monte, and chairman of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, said the industry is "willing to do more" and "willing to go the extra mile."

Using her toughest language yet, Mrs. Obama told the group, "The truth is we don't have a moment to waste -- because a baby born today could be less than a decade away from showing the first signs of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, if he or she is obese as a child. A recent study even found that 3-year-olds who were obese already had one of the symptoms of heart disease."