The food industry has been attacked from many quarters for its role in the obesity epidemic, but is it the industry at fault? At the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), keynote speaker Alton Brown of Food Network fame was asked if the industry and its foods were to blame. His response was along the lines of, “There are no bad foods, only bad parents.” This statement could well summarize the food industry’s position on products and product development. If a food product is selling, whether it is perceived as healthy or unhealthy, the company will continue to produce that food. It has the responsibility to make a profit for its owners and shareholders.
The food industry must be responsive to consumer preferences. According to data collected by Mintel International Group Ltd., new product trends related to fats and oils are as follows:
* The reduction of trans fatty acids in products.
* The reduction of saturated fats in foods.
* Incorporation of healthy oils into product formulations.
* Incorporation of heart-healthy components (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants).