Abstract

The case examines the growing impact of junk foods on American society. It examines the role played by food companies in the increase in the obesity growth rate in the US and Canada. The case discusses how Kraft Foods, the number one food products company in the US, faced criticism during the early 21st century for encouraging unhealthy eating habits and which led to numerous health problems. It then describes the anti-obesity initiatives undertaken by the company to quell the criticism. The case also discusses the responsibility of companies towards their consumers and society as a whole from an ethical dimension. Finally, it examines the role of consumers and the government in the increase in the obesity growth rate, and discusses ways in which this crisis could be handled.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Social and corporate obligations of food companies.

Keywords

Junk foods, American society, food companies, obesity growth rate, US, Canada, Kraft Foods, 21st century, health problems, anti-obesity