Wal-Mart Joins Michelle Obama in War Against Child Obesity

Wal-Mart Stores, the nation's largest retailer and grocer, has committed to making and selling healthier choices over the next five years.

First Lady Michelle Obama enlisted the help of supermarket giant Wal-Mart on Thursday as she ramped up her fight against the scourge of childhood obesity in the United States.

Obama stood beside the vegetable section in a Washington Wal-Mart as the largest US retailer unveiled its "Nutrition Charter," vowing to stock its aisles with healthier fare.

Wal-Mart announced plans to reduce the fat, sugar and salt content of many of the products it manufactures, and to rid all its goods of unhealthy trans-fats.

"This Nutrition Charter promises a real change that can have a fundamental impact in how our kids eat," Obama said.

"When parents have the information they need about the products they buy, that puts them back in charge, so they can make good decisions for their families.

"I believe this charter is a huge victory for folks all across this country," she said. "It's a victory for parents. It's a victory for families. But most of all, it?s a victory for our children."

Obama said Wal-Mart's promise to reformulate its food products, "has the potential to transform the marketplace and to help American families put healthier food on their tables every single day."

The changes, which were due to go into effect by 2015, also include improved packaging with clearer nutritional labeling, and reducing the cost of fruits, vegetables and healthy alternatives to snack foods.

One in three US children is obese or overweight due to a lack of exercise and a diet loaded with fat and sugar. Experts have warned of an impending epidemic of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Source: AFP