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News Release

STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Regarding Kraft Foods' Global Initiatives to Help Address Rise in Obesity

Kraft Foods' announcement that it will take steps to modify its marketing programs, food packaging, fat, calorie and portion sizes to help address the rise in obesity is an example for other food manufacturers to follow.

This Administration has made fighting obesity a key component of our disease prevention and health promotion, Steps to a HealthierUS, agenda and has been working with food manufacturers and fast food companies to take positive steps toward helping Americans make healthier choices in the diets. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States -- 64 percent of adults are overweight and obese with the total cost estimated to be $117 billion annually.

Kraft is to be commended for its comprehensive program. We look forward to continuing to work with Kraft and others in the fight to reduce obesity and create a healthier America.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: July 3, 2003