The Freedom to Eat What We Choose
Should We Have the Freedom to Choose?
I read an article from this morning’s Philadelphia Inquirer that, in my mind, is really about what government’s role should be in our food choices, although the writer may disagree. In this article, food Columnist Rick Nichols talks about an interesting mailing he received with salt and pepper shakers with the I Love NY logo on them. The package came from a group called the Center for Consumer Freedom. This group is currently opposing the efforts of New York’s health commissioner, Thomas Frieden, to reduce by 50% the amount of salt in restaurant meals. Research by Nichols shows that this group isn’t supported by consumers but by anonymous food industry companies.
I experienced mixed emotions as I thought about this article and read the group’s website. First, I personally welcome the reduction in sodium in restaurant meals. There have been too many mornings after I’ve eaten out that my rings don’t fit my fingers. As much as I love salt, sodium and I don’t get along that well any more. Also, if salt is reduced and the food seems bland, it’s easy enough to pick up a shaker from the table and add more according to our own personal taste. I applaud Commissioner Frieden for his efforts on the previous campaign that requires New York restaurants to publish their nutritional information. I think any effort that provides the consumer with information is a great thing because it helps us make our food choices, whether good or bad.
But after further reflection I realized that this salt attack was crossing the line. Instead of allowing us to make our own food choices, the government is making them for us. I’m perfectly capable when I want to cut back on sodium to choose a restaurant that gives lower sodium choices than Chinese food. And when I really feel like eating Chinese food, I knowingly make this choice, fully expecting the consequences of being unable to wear most of my rings the next day.
Yet, this Center for Consumer Freedom questions the current philosophy regarding a healthful diet. I can’t say I necessarily believe everything they report, and I fully realize they have an agenda. My guess is that their biggest issue relates to the government supported, legal actions taken by consumers who have made unhealthy choices, and aren’t happy with the consequences.
I believe the government’s only role in this healthy food debate should be to provide us consumers with information. I don’t care to pay our government workers to legislate for me what I can eat. I don’t want them legislating what my restaurants can serve. I want the freedom to choose for myself and my family. And if we make an educated, unhealthy choice I’m willing to live with the consequences without asking the government to legislate who should now foot the bill to pay for my mistakes. Because, in the end, freedom of choice is about taking responsibility for our choices.
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