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In 2002, when the University of California Press first published
Food Politics, the idea that food and beverage marketing might
influence food choices seemed surprising and, to the food industry and
its supporters, alarming. Food choices, the industry said, were entirely
a matter of personal responsibility. Obesity was the evident result of
poor dietary choices and too little physical activity. The solution to the
obesity problem? Get a grip.
As I explained in the 2007 edition of the book, personal choice
erupted as the principal argument against Food Politics before it had
even been published. In February 2002, two weeks before the book first
appeared in stores, three anonymous individuals posted critical reviews
on Amazon.com. The reviewers accused me of blaming the food industry
for what ought to be a matter of individual free will.
“Nestle forgot a not-so-little thing called WILL POWER!†said the
first review. “Marion Nestle, one of the foremost food nannies in this
country, has produced a book that heaps the blame for obesity, diabetes,
and heart disease on food producers, marketing executives, and
even school principals. Everyone, it seems, is responsible for those love
handles except for the very people who are carrying them around.â€
From the second reviewer: “Individuals incapable of thinking for themselves
will truly appreciate . . . Food Politics. [Hasn’t the author] ever
heard of personal responsibility, exercise, and appropriate dieting?â€
And from the third: “Marion Nestle’s book ‘Food Politics’ makes clear that the political system she favors is dictatorship— with her in command.
. . . The author’s motto could be ‘if it tastes good don’t eat it.’ â€
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