Junk Food: Olestra

It was reported by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), that approximately 43.8 percent of Americans view the health risks on the nutrition fact panel before deciding on purchasing goods (Park). When consumers are purchasing edible items, they are skeptical of the ingredients they put in their bodies. Most people imagine the best of both worlds, having to enjoy greasy foods without facing the repercussion. As many individuals reply on “fat-free” foods to stay healthy, olestra products sales are at an all-time high, along with intestinal diseases. Therefore, the United States government should place regulations in order to assist in the up-keep of its citizens’ health.

Olestra, also known by its brand name, Olean, is a synthetic ingredient commonly found in sweets such as cakes and savory snacks such as crackers and potato chips. This substance is classified as zero- fat and cholesterol- free in products. Olestra is impossible for the human body digestive system to absorb. When olestra is consumed into the body, it strips away any pre-existing nutrients. “[Olestra] may prevent the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins and ‘carotenoids,’ a group of nutrients that includes beta-carotene, a dietary component that some people claim offers protection from cancer” (American Council on Science and Health 2). Due to the chemical make-up of this element, it causes the body more harm than good. Olestra is an empty substance that contributes nothing useful to the body. However, when it passes through the body, it robs it of several essential nutrients and minerals. Therefore, consumers should be mindful of the risks associated with snacks.

Compared to other countries, the United States of America ranked the highest in junk food consumption, spending over 7.1 billion dollars annually on potato chips alone. Companies like Proctor and Gamble, Nabisco, PepsiCo subsidiary Frito-Lay yield over a billion dollars annually in retail sales. Big businesses like these, contribute an enormous portion in taxes. In North America, Frito-Lay contributes approximately 42% of their company’s revenues per quarter. Recorded in his article, Harvard Criminal Defense Attorney, David Solet states that olestra could generate roughly $1.5 billion annually in sales – which could make it the most profitable product to Procter & Gamble (Financial analysts at Drexel Burnham Lambert). Not only Procter & Gamble gives a great amount in taxes to the United States economy, they also donate a hefty a percentage to the government in donations. A few representatives from Procter & Gamble, Nabisco and other companies, have served on the boards that funds the Food and Drugs Association. The FDA advocates for the corporates and in return the keep their “hush money.” “The activities of olestra’s sponsor had the clear potential to influence the FDA’s decision in ways that threaten the integrity of the process” (Solet 80). Clearly, the decision- making on the approval of Olestra was heavily influenced by the campaign that year. Along with the FDA approval of the stomach- troubling ingredient, olestra, Frito -Lay Inc fabricate and market the chips; while its’ rival, Procter & Gamble makes the fat.

The residents of the United States of America have a right to know the pros and cons of comestibles. Therefore, they blindly placed their faith in the government to provide them with healthy options, in return the government makes money of the backs of the people. Olestra chemistry differs from regular fat due to the makeup of eight fatty acids and the glycerol replacement by a sugar/ sucrose and molecules. Whereas, most regular fats are triglycerides, they are more complexed than olestra. They are made from an alcohol, or glycerol, molecule attached to three fatty acids. Olestra was created accidently in the 1960s, reports indicate that the so called “better for you” substitute causes it users to become obese rather than prevent it. This raised cause of concerns, soon the ingredient was referred to as “plastic fat.” Unlike America, Canada and the United Kingdom banned olestra when it was first introduced. In the opinion of Dr. Walter Willett, a nutritionist at the Harvard School of Public Health, it is likely that thousands of Americans will face premature deaths related to cancer and cardiovascular disease each year (Driedger). It’s in the interest of the authorities that the public becomes addicted to the snacks loaded with olestra. Commercial enterprises spend vast amount of money to manipulate policies that effect the health of the Americans. First, the people who eats olestra become sick. Then, the insurance companies alter their qualifications making it harder to get insured. Next, medicine prices spike, and it becomes harder or impossible to access the proper treatment necessary. Finally, the government profits sky- rockets, and we are left to recuperate after the devastation.

In the 1990’s, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave clearance to Proctor and Gamble and other manufacturers to launch their olestra infused products. with a tally of seventeen members of the committee approved and five opposed The United States government was aware of the effects that were caused by the “fat-free” products; placing its’ citizens at risk. As reported by Medicine net, ""Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools in some individuals, and inhibits the body's absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients"" (FDA Commissioner, David A. Kessler, M.D.). His response to the issue was, "" FDA is requiring Proctor & Gamble and other manufacturers who use olestra to label all foods made with it , and, to protect the public health, to add essential vitamins--Vitamins A, D, E and K--to olestra"" (FDA Commissioner, David A. Kessler, M.D.). The FDA only allow specific goods to contain olestra; meanwhile, a low percentage of olestra is permitted in the composition of these foods. Stated by The New York Times, “[On August 2nd,2003], The F.D.A. said yesterday that it decided to remove the label because most consumers were aware of the risks associated with olestra and new data showed only a minor increase in digestive problems.” If citizens were once aware of the danger that olestra causes, why have the warnings been removed from the packaging’s labels? Olestra was said to be one of the most reviewed subject matter, with over 25 years of research and over 150 case studies involving more than 200,000 people and over 100 animals.

In conclusion, individuals should have knowledge of the substance that they are putting in their bodies. The government and the mega corps should take a stance to better protect the health of their buyers. olestra is similar in appurtenance with natural fats, however, unlike normal fats, olestra has the ability to withstand extreme temperatures that is required to fry foods. Olestra was created accidently in the 1960s.Olestra is a unhealthy substance that is falsely advertised as caloric free and “better for you”. olestra causes runny stoles, intestinal diseases and many more embarrassing fecal accidents. many speculate that robs the body from crucial vitamins that are vital to the prevention of cancer cells. Although, the snacks are addicting, this man-made grease should be reevaluated and temporarily removed from the shelves. Without the false advertising of snacks, individuals can be aware of the risks associated with chemicals found in their goods. hopefully the attention may lead to a permanent ban on olestra imbued items from the united states.

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