Has the Demand for Fats and Meats in the United States been Affected by the Health Claim on Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Issued by the Food and Drug Administration?

Abstract

Health authorities are well aware that a healthy diet can be effective in reducing the risk of many chronic illnesses. To encourage greater consumption of healthy foods, some government agencies have begun issuing specific health claims on particular foods and/or ingredients. This study examines the impacts of a specific health claim on the risk of coronary heart disease on the demand for fats and meats in the United States. Results indicate the health claim decreased demand for foods higher in saturated fats and increased demand for foods lower in saturated fats by relatively small but statistically significant amounts.

Keywords

• health benefits
• functional foods
• dietary choices
• consumer demand