American Dietetics Association Promoting Ice Cream

The American Dietetic Association is still stuck with the idea that low-fat is healthier and is set to promote sweets on their website - in today's "Tip for the Day" we don't find suggestions about making delicious vegetables or tantalizing meals...nope, we find the association telling us how to include ice cream in our diet - and not just any ice cream, but specifically ice cream that is low in fat!

We All Scream for Ice Cream!
February 15, 2006
Ice cream is one of America's favorite desserts. In today's freezer sections you find many options for lower-fat brands. In a half-cup serving:

Reduced-fat (2 percent) ice cream has at least 25 percent less fat than regular ice cream.
Low-fat (1 percent) ice cream has three grams or less of fat.
Light ice cream has at least 50 percent less fat.
Fat-free ice cream has less than one-half gram of fat per serving.

Do you enjoy the creamy texture and flavor of premium ice cream, which has more fat and calories? If so, cut back on fat somewhere else in your eating plan so you can enjoy this treat, or eat a smaller portion than you normally would.
Produced by ADA's Public Relations Team

Who is on their "Public Relations Team" and why are they promoting ice cream?

And how did they miss their obligation to the public as defined in the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics as published in the January 1999 Journal of The American Dietetic Association:

The dietetics practitioner practices dietetics based on scientific principles and current information.

We're in the middle of an obesity epidemic and they're promoting ice cream?

The dietetics practitioner is alert to situations that might cause a conflict of interest or have the appearance of a conflict. The dietetics practitioner provides full disclosure when a real or potential conflict of interest arises.

Did they "forget" to disclose that their organization receives money from companies that make ice cream?

Did they "forget" to mention that corporate sponsors get help from their organization in "telling a good nutrition story"?

The American Dietetic Association works with food companies and other organizations to develop materials and programs that deliver credible, science-based food, nutrition and health messages to consumers and to ADA members. If you have a good nutrition story to tell, ADA can help you tell it through collaborative and creative programs. These can include: custom nutrition education programs with consumer brochures and professional information materials; Web site interactive tools for consumer education; on-package nutrition messages; nutrition fact sheets; list rental for direct mail; advertising opportunities in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and ADA Times; and sponsorship opportunities for meetings, continuing education teleconferences and Webinars.

While the American Dietetics Association wants to be the "most valued source of food and nutrition services," their actions betray consumer confidence when they are promoting ice cream while we're in the middle of an obesity epidemic!