Location
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Start Date
8-6-2010 12:00 AM
End Date
10-6-2010 12:00 AM
Description
Abstract: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Costs associated with obesity pose a severe threat to the U.S. economy. Evidence indicates the foodservice industry has had a major role contributing to the obesity crisis; thus it is argued that the industry has an ethical and social responsibility to now aggressively adopt socially responsible actions that will help alleviate the increasing incidence of obesity. Such actions might include innovative advertising initiatives, modification of portion sizes, and nutrition labeling so that consumers can make healthful food selections. Even though such actions might result in short-term profit losses, socially responsible actions have the potential to yield long-term economic value for the foodservice industry.
Keywords
Ethical advertising; Ethics; Foodservice industry; Nutrition labeling; Obesity; Portion size; Social responsibility
Disciplines
Hospitality Administration and Management
The Social responsibility of the foodservice industry: The need for action regarding the obesity crisis
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Abstract: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Costs associated with obesity pose a severe threat to the U.S. economy. Evidence indicates the foodservice industry has had a major role contributing to the obesity crisis; thus it is argued that the industry has an ethical and social responsibility to now aggressively adopt socially responsible actions that will help alleviate the increasing incidence of obesity. Such actions might include innovative advertising initiatives, modification of portion sizes, and nutrition labeling so that consumers can make healthful food selections. Even though such actions might result in short-term profit losses, socially responsible actions have the potential to yield long-term economic value for the foodservice industry.