Super, er, Economy Size

[cmdr_zoom]

In response to the obesity problem in America (and in an attempt to shield themselves from salivating tort lawyers with visions of tobacco-sized settlements and contingency fees), several food companies have announced - as a gesture of responsibility, not liability - that they will be reducing portion sizes. I'd be a lot more inclined to regard this as goodwill if (1) I thought they would be reducing prices accordingly, or (2) they hadn't been doing this for years anyway - see the Incredible Shrinking Hershey Bar, or Dreyers quietly cutting the size of its half-gallon to 1.75 qt because of milk costs.

Based on my experience, this coin-shaving will only make consumers feel that they are being shorted and cheated, and encourage them to buy and consume even larger sizes in the name of "value." The companies win because they get to sell more of their product while appearing to be concerned for the public good. Huh... I guess it IS like the tobacco industry.

Comments

[frozencapybara.livejournal.com]

It's also possible that they'll keep the actual size of the product the same, and just claim it has more servings on the label. Which won't make a darn bit of difference in terms of the health of the consumer. And, if they're really pushing it, they can start charging -more- because it's "healthier". Why no, I don't have any faith in the american food industry, why do you ask?

[sinapus.livejournal.com]

...is it just me or is pointing out that getting fat from eating too much and not exercising is not the fault of the people who make the food?

Very much not wanting to see the fast food equivalent of those stupid "Pravda", er "Truth" commercials.

[cmdr-zoom.livejournal.com]

Remember, Pat, this is America. Nothing is ever your fault, so it must be someone else's.

[sinapus.livejournal.com]

Maybe to some people.