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Why Fast Food Should Be Banned: Overview of the Arguments in the Debate

Table of contents, the health crisis argument, the environmental impact argument, the counterarguments, social and cultural considerations, the conclusion.

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Should Fast Food be Banned

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Fast food or junk food is food that does not have the right nutrition’s for our bodies. According to Ashakiran and Deepthi R (2012), fast food contains excessive amounts of flour, sugar, fat, salt, and food additives (8). They also mentioned that it is widely popular, probably because it is easily accessible. Examples of fast food chains are McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, and even Starbucks. Other than fast food not having the right nutrition’s, studies have found dangerous chemicals in this type of food.

This essay will discuss those dangerous chemicals and conclude if fast food should be banned. Firstly, if we all know it is not healthy, why are so many people still eating fast food? There’s a few advantages to it.

It isn’t called fast food for no reason, junk food is often made and served quickly. If someone has a small lunch break, it’s an easy decision to stop and get something fast. Another reason is all the added salt and sugar makes the junk food taste good. They also add food additives and colors to make it look appetizing. In addition to making the food look better, the packaging is usually quite colorful and appealing as well.

The chain restaurants also spend money on ads to bring in more people (Ashakiran and Deepthi, 2012). For example, McDonalds has “happy meals” that are for children. This meal includes a toy and I remember wanting to go just for that toy. Some McDonalds restaurants also have playhouses where kids can run around and climb in tubes. Do these goods outweigh the bads? There is still a list of dangerous chemicals in these foods.

One chemical that is put into the food is called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). This chemical is supposed to make the food last longer. BHA has some interesting characteristics. One characteristic is BHA is insoluble in water but soluble in fats and oils. Since there are excessive amounts of fats and oils in fast food, BHA dissolves right into it (“Butylated”). This is dangerous to eat because BHA is a carcinogen. This means that it has a risk of causing stomach cancer. This has been tested with animals which is why this chemical is believed to be dangerous (“Dangerous”).

Another additive that can cause cancer is the addition of artificial trans fats. Hydrogen is added to unsaturated fat to make trans fats in fast food. This process also makes the food last longer. Other than being linked to causing cancer trans fats have a negative effect on cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart problems. Trans fat can also increase the chances of stokes and diabetes (“Dangerous”). This is only two chemicals that are added. There are many more that are found.

Some of the chemicals found are not even directly put into the food. Many fast food packaging is coated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). The PFCs help the grease from the food not soak into the packaging. These compounds have recently been deemed dangerous because it’s possible these compounds can get into the food were eating. Once they’re in our bodies, PFC breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid, called PFOA (Michael Hawthrone, 2017).

PFOA was found in the drinking water of 75,000 people in West Virginia. These people were looked at and seven risk factors were concluded from the effect of PFOA. These include, higher cholesterol, pregnancy- induced hypertension, ulcerative colitis, two types of cancers, and two different diseases (Liza Gross, 2017). PFOA is especially dangerous for children because their bodies are still developing. Fortunately, people are taking action to lessen the risk of these dangerous chemicals.

Whether or not to ban junk food is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that it poses health risks and contributes to obesity and other health issues, others maintain that individuals can make dietary choices. Ultimately, the decision to ban or not to ban junk food rests with the governing bodies of each country or state and must consider factors such as public health, individual rights, and economic implications.

There is a plethora of detrimental consequences associated with consuming unhealthy foods, commonly known as “junk food”. Such consequences comprise of obesity, heart ailments, and diabetes. Junk food items are loaded with high amounts of calories, unhealthy fats, and artificial sweeteners, and they possess little to no nutritional value.

Several compelling justifications support the prohibition of junk food in schools. The most apparent rationale is its detrimental impact on health. These foods contain an excessive amount of sugar, fat, and salt, culminating in obesity and other health-related issues. Furthermore, another justification for forbidding junk food in schools is its addictive nature.

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An opinion essay about fast food.

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Is fast food popular in your country? Do you think it causes health problems or any other kinds of problems?

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Should fast food be banned?

Fast food has long been a subject of debate, with many arguing that it should be banned due to its negative impact on public health. While it’s true that fast food is often high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars, leading to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, banning it completely may not be the solution to the problem. Instead, education and regulation may be more effective in addressing these health concerns.

Educating the public

One approach to addressing the negative effects of fast food is to focus on educating the public about making healthier choices. By providing information on the nutritional content of fast food and promoting healthier alternatives, individuals can make more informed decisions about their diet. In addition, promoting healthy eating habits and the importance of balanced meals can help reduce the consumption of fast food.

Regulation and policies

In addition to education, implementing regulations and policies can help mitigate the negative impact of fast food on public health. This could include measures such as mandating calorie labeling on menus, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and implementing taxes on sugary drinks. By creating a supportive environment that encourages healthier choices, the consumption of fast food can be reduced without a complete ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the health risks associated with fast food.

Consuming fast food regularly can lead to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. This is due to the high levels of saturated fats, sugars, and sodium present in many fast food items.

2. How does fast food impact the environment?

The production and distribution of fast food contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Additionally, the excess packaging and waste generated by fast food chains further contribute to environmental degradation.

3. Can fast food be part of a balanced diet?

While it’s best to limit the consumption of fast food, it can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s important to focus on portion control and choose healthier options when eating fast food.

4. Are there any benefits to banning fast food?

Banning fast food altogether may have unintended consequences, such as job loss and economic impacts on the food industry. Instead, focusing on education and regulation may be a more effective approach to addressing the negative aspects of fast food.

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Argumentative About Fast Food

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Published: Mar 19, 2024

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fast food restaurants should be banned essay

128 Brilliant Fast Food Essay Topics & Examples

The phenomenon of comfort food that takes a short time to prepare and tastes good has become extremely popular in the world, with chains such as McDonalds having an enormous global presence. However, the adverse health effects associated with the emergence of fast food have led to its nickname, junk food.

There is an obesity epidemic throughout the world, but people do not adopt healthy eating habits even as more and more issues surface. As such, you should cover some key points to write an outstanding essay on one or more fast food essay topics and show your understanding of the topic.

In this article we will reveal some tips and ideas for writing, as well as research questions on fast food.

👍 Tips for Essay Writing on Fast Food

🏆 best fast food topics & essay examples, ✅ simple & easy fast food essay topics, 💡 most interesting fast food topics to write about, ❓ fast food questions for research paper.

Your fast food essay should discuss the advantages as well as disadvantages of fast food compared to traditional healthy food.

Food items that contain excessive fat or were not good for one’s health have existed for a long time, but were never prominent enough to impact the population significantly.

Fast food options became popular because they pioneered the ideas of food being easily accessible, quick to make, and tasty nevertheless.

Compared to the usual cooking experience people went through at home as well as outdoors eating places, the new phenomenon constituted a revolution.

Fast food became popular with the population due to its significant benefits compared to other methods.

However, the disadvantages of excessive consumption of junk food emerged eventually, leading to the release of various legislation governing the dangers of a poor diet.

With its emphasis on fat and sugars, fast food can lead to a variety of issues, examples including uncontrolled weight gain, heart disease, dental issues, shortness of breath, and other adverse outcomes.

Obesity is now an issue that affects many people in the United States as well as other countries. It can also be difficult to stop consuming junk food because of its instant gratification properties.

Due to its concentration on taste over nutrition, healthy food can feel bland and uninteresting by comparison, leading the person to switch back.

You should discuss potential solutions to the issues created by fast food, but the issue is complex and complicated by the conditions of some of the people affected.

In Australia, some aboriginal people live too far from large cities to receive regular shipments of healthy food that will not spoil, so they have to rely on fast food that is packed with preservatives.

As a result, many become obese and malnourished at the same time. There is no easy solution to the issue, and as such, most options have to be theoretical or supported by evidence. The essay format is generally not suitable for in-depth discussions of topics related to the resolution of these issues.

Here are some additional tips that will make your essay truly outstanding:

  • Try to rely on facts that are supported by research and evidence rather than the popular perception.
  • The concept of fast food extends beyond chains such as McDonalds to ready-made meals and various snacks in stores.
  • Remember to follow usual essay writing guidelines such as an academic tone, the separation of section with titles, and the use of an introductions and fast food essay conclusions.

Here, at IvyPanda you can find lots of fast food essay titles and other useful samples that will help you create an excellent paper! Check them below!

  • Fast Food Industry: Arguments for and Against For instance, those who believe that fast food industry is beneficial to them and other members of the society will expect the findings of this research to be in support of their beliefs.
  • Fast Food vs. Home Cooking: Lifestyle and Traditions The good thing with this business is that the food was from natural products hence healthy, a fact that has since changed Many people are very busy for the better part of the day and […]
  • Fast Food in Campus: Advantages and Disadvantages On the other hand, a classmate mentions that fast foods lead to obesity among university students who eat from fast-food restaurants.
  • Fast Food Restaurants: Classification Most restaurants offer these services at their premises, whereby customers come, have their meals and leave for example the Deising’s chain of restaurants, while others especially the well-established ones offer take-out services and delivery services […]
  • Fritter’s Fast Food Restaurants: Overview Very fast and inexpensive to manufacture, Fritters can find their customers both in restaurants and kiosks, and in pre-prepared form.
  • Survey to Study the Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption and Obesity The survey aims to analyze if there is any connection between consumption of fast food and obesity. The study aims to ascertain the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity.
  • The Fast Food Industry Lots of people claim that the growth of the rate of obese people correlates with the growth of fast food chains in the region.
  • McDonald’s Corporation: Analyzing Fast Food Industry A glance of the profit margins of the major players in the US industry will provide a more clear perception of the fast food industry’s success in 2009 in global perspective: Key Competitors Profits 2009 […]
  • Global Challenges Faced By Fast Food Companies For instance the price strategy is usually determined by a number of factors such as the number of competitors in the market, the availability and costs of raw materials and the existent product substitutes in […]
  • The Consequences of Fast Food The most evident effect of fast food is obesity among others and these effects are what will be considered as the basis of discouraging the intake of fast food while encouraging other healthier options.
  • Social Media Marketing Plan: Subway Fast Food Attract The main objective of this digital marketing plan is to attract the younger customers’ market through the Subway’s website and a twitter fun page in order to increase the customer traffic in its stores.
  • Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant The design has the potential to elaborate on the cause of failures inherent in the establishment and possess the capacity to make recommendations on combating the challenges.
  • Influencing Consumer Behavior: the changing image of ‘fast food’ Some of the factors that consumers may be influenced with include the cost, what their friends and family members say, where the restaurant is located, the duration the meal takes, and by how the consumers […]
  • Motivational Issues in the Fast Food Sector Fast food refers to a type of cuisine produced in mass and marketed by some eateries, presentation stands, and service establishments for fast and effective production and delivery.
  • The Negative Consequences of Employing High School Students in Fast Food Restaurants In addition, high school students should be advised that education and their careers are more important as compared to working at fast food restaurants.
  • Impact of Fast Food on Human Body Firstly, it is the economics of fast food fast food is the cheapest food on the market in terms of a calorie per dollar.
  • Fast Food Effects on Human Health The phenomenon results in the ideological perspectives of increased obesity and the emergence of lifestyle diseases. The popularity and consumption rate of fast-food restaurants is one of the trending issues in cities and towns.
  • The Reasons Behind the Popularity of Fast Food in the Context of the Lebanese Market Nowadays, in Beirut, the variety of traditional dishes which can be prepared quickly and served as fast food is amazing, from the kebab, to the falafel; most dishes are represented.
  • Causes and Effects of Fast Food: Reputation for Unhealthy Eating By setting this price to a low value, fast food companies can exclude traditional restaurants from the selection, improve throughput, and increase their brand equity.
  • Impacts of Fast Food on Childhood Eating Habits The author’s claim that lack of nutritional information on fast food packaging is a major cause of obesity among children and teenagers is not true.
  • The Jungle and Fast Food Nation Though both books talk about the food industry and the ills that plague it, it is important to establish that, Eric Schlosser’s aim of writing Fast Food Nation was to make the public know the […]
  • The Film “Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!”: How the Fast Food Industry Interacts With Its Customers Another obvious cause and effect relationship portrayed in the film concerns the rise in the threat of diseases such as diabetes as the effect of the food choices that McDonald’s provides to its customers.
  • Employment Relations in Fast Food Restaurants It is therefore imperative to ensure the comfort of employees and for good employment relations to be built and extended there are certain advantages and legal constitutions that have to be established for the sake […]
  • Fast Food Ban Necessity in Schools Schools should not offer fast foods because they lead to the development of bad habits, long-time health complications and influence students to spend money unnecessarily.
  • Fast Food and Gender: Is There a Relation? The study was to observe the gender that formed the majority of the customer base in respect to fast foods. In this case, it was important to select a predetermined restaurant that specializes in fast […]
  • ”The Ritual of Fast Food” by Margaret Visser At the pace of modern life, people often do not have time to dine fully, and then fast food comes to the rescue.
  • Improvements of Supply Chain Processes in the Fast Food Industry: Subway The purposes of the research are to analyze the service delivery stage of the internal supply chain process typical of the Subway restaurants located in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates; identify drawbacks in these areas […]
  • HRM in the Fast Food Industry: US, Germany, and Australia It should be mentioned that the term human-resource relations refers to the programs that an organization puts in place in order to ensure that the employees receive the benefits that are guaranteed by legislation.
  • Healthy Fast Food Restaurant The project committee has ensured that this project has a number of strengths as it is introduced in this competitive market.
  • Fast Food’s Main Detrimental Effects This state of affairs is perfectly explainable, because during the course of recent decades, the effects of a lengthened consumption of fast food on one’s health remained the subject of a number of heated public […]
  • Increased Nutrition Regulations on Fast Food Restaurants Some critics believe that federal policy to increase the cost of healthy food has led to the increase in consumption of the cheaper alternative i.e.fast food.
  • The Fast Food Mass Production Problem Mass production was planned as a phenomenon to ensure the supply of food in sufficient quantities to cover the loss of production in the sale and, at the same time, meet the economic needs of […]
  • The Environment of Fast Food Chains The basic research question is based upon the fact as what is actual scenario of HK fast food industry and what marketing strategies are being used commonly by the industry?
  • Fast Food Industry in the US This paper will discuss the fast food industry in the US with an emphasis on the positive as well as the negative impacts it has on American economy.
  • The Culture of Fast Food Consumption Thesis Statement: The purchase of fast food is largely driven by the convenience of purchase, enjoyment of taste, and pricing. However, it is worth sorting out the reasons for consuming fast food and the main […]
  • Media Plan of a Fast Food Chain Subway Food The uniqueness and importance of this media for Subway Foods is that the sender of the advertising message, who can be regarded as the seller, does not know in advance what he will receive in […]
  • Fast Food History and Global Presence The popularity of fast-food restaurants at the time could be associated with the increased numbers of people moving to the city centers during the Great Depression.
  • Green Management in Fast Food Restaurants The corporations have to acquire large amounts of capital to operate efficiently and survive in the market because of the high demand of social responsibility in the food industry.
  • An Analysis of Marketing Strategies of Local vs. International Brands in the Fast Food Sector This comes as no surprise, considering that the UK is one of the world’s largest economies in the world, has one of Europe’s highest populations and is the largest consumer of fast food in the […]
  • Fast Foods More Harm Than Good The rest of the life of such a child is upsetting as the child is ridiculed in and out of school, through his/her adolescence, and even in college.
  • American Fast Food in Foreign Countries On the one hand, fast food chains like McDonald’s are at risk of pushing local cafes away, leading the latter to bankruptcy.
  • Fast Food: What We Eat by Eric Schlosser The industry became the cause of multiple economic trends and shifted the behaviors of consumers. In conclusion, the fast-food industry has had a great influence on economics, society, and politics.
  • The Effects of Fast Food Consumption on Obesity Afterward, Lane et al.combined homogeneous conditions and conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effect of fast food consumption on their development.
  • Fast Food Restaurant: Emergency Procedure It is essential to lay out a clear communication plan to ensure the team maintains functional capacity during a hurricane threat.
  • Drive-Thru Dreams and Fast Food Nation by Adam Chandler In the introduction to his book, Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom, Adam Chandler uses pathos as the central appeal to convince the audience in the strength of his reasoning.
  • Slow and Fast Food Values by Alice Waters Uniformity is a fast-food value that causes people to lose their individuality because of the pressure to conform. Awareness is a fundamental value in the current fast-food world.
  • McDonald’s in the International Fast Food Market In her article, Visard discusses the current position of McDonald’s in the international fast food market and the food chain’s most recent attempts to adapt its resource spending and product positioning strategies during the ongoing […]
  • Employee Retention & Staff Turnover in Fast Food Industry Whilst the recruitment strategy errors include the lack of such documents as A Set of Competencies and The Perfect Candidate, the lack of recruitment specialists, and the provision of insufficient information to the candidate. It […]
  • Customer Loyalty in Fast Food Industry Under Current Economic Crisis The objective of this research is to evaluate different customer loyalty programs offered by companies operating in the UK Fast Food Industry to induce more sales and assess their effectiveness amid of the current economic […]
  • Promoting Fast Food Ingredient Awareness The result of this progress has been the spread of the concept of fast food, meals for those who are busy and do not want to burden themselves with cooking.
  • The Fast Food Restaurant Market of Canada More than 100 various franchising offers Growing demand for fast food restaurant franchising Wide variety of demanded franchises with diverse prices and distinct revenue potential Growing possibilities to utilize disposable income, which increases proportionally […]
  • Ideology of Fast Food Industry Development Demonstrating the parallel that can be drawn between fast food and the ideology values such as the fast pace life and consumerism, it is important to stress that several values resulted from the formation and […]
  • The Fast Food Culture in Saudi Arabia The increased consumption of fast food is an issue that has gripped the attention of healthcare providers worldwide. The high incidence of diabetes is perhaps the most notable effect of the excessive consumption of fast […]
  • Obesity Prevalence and Fast Food Restaurant Prevalence The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between obesity prevalence and fast food restaurant prevalence in the United States.
  • Regulation of the Fast Food Industry: Review The rapid growth of the fast food industry has led to the high consumption of fast food by many people. The extraordinary growth of the fast food industry has been driven by fundamental changes in […]
  • Fast Food: What Is Really in It? Fast food restaurants use TBHQ to eliminate oxidation of fats and oils in order to prolong the expiry date of their foods.
  • “The Bitter Truth About Fast Food” by Schlosser While such a regulation is hard to follow, it has been proved that some natural ingredients used in the manufacturing of flavors pose more health risks than artificial ingredients.
  • Biotechnology and Animal Welfare: How Genetically Modified Chicken Serves the Demand in Fast Food Chains Beef was the most often used meat for the restaurants due to its containing in burgers, however, in 2020, the tendency started to move in the direction of chicken consumption.
  • Fast Food Nation in the “Omnivore’s Dilemma” by M. Pollan The author’s main purpose in writing this text could be summarized as a plea to food-conscious people that there is more to what they do not know about the food they eat.
  • Fast Food Industry: Five Forces of Success The possible threat of market saturation by new sellers inflowing the market. The strength of rivalry or competition in the food industry as franked by existing markets is a pronouncement that helps in the determination […]
  • Marketing Case B: Freddy Favors Fast Food and Convenience for College Students Problem Objective Opinion Areas of Strength Areas of Concern Recommendation Conclusion The service and products that are to be offered in a food joint for college students is a problem, as it would require […]
  • Branding of Fast Food Industry: Sound and Strategic Brand According to Thomson and Rampton the brand image should be able to provide customers with a degree of excellence and comfort, making them outshine from the rest of the group that is they provide a […]
  • The Use of Fast Food Meals in the United State This study focused to investigate the western theory change of lifestyles and it intended to examine the quality of the fast-food meals in the United States industries.
  • Environmental Analysis for a New Fast Food Chain in Australia The viability of the restaurant will depend, in a large part, on the stability of the host government as well as the strength of the host country’s political system.
  • Fast Food Empire: ”Behind the Counter” by Schlosser Schlosser underlines that the fast food problem in society, culture, and identity is presenting all Americans with profound dilemmas- that are badly in need of clarification and resolution of real life values and ideals Schlosser […]
  • Opportunism in Fast Food Chains: Schlosser’s ‘Behind the Counter’ The fast-food chains employ the most disadvantaged members of the American society and provide only training on basic job skills such as getting to work on time.
  • Fast Food Epidemic: The Dark Side of American Meal Various reports and studies signify the trends of huge marketing campaigns of fast food chains and the significant correlation this has with fast food consumption.
  • Technology in the British Fast Food Industry The use of modern smartphones and apps is an emerging trend that will continue to dictate the performance of business organizations.
  • Fast Food Restaurants and Buyers’ Responsibility Fast food and chain restaurants sell their products, but they do not force people to buy them. Thus, people are to be responsible for their behavior and understand the danger of unhealthy food.
  • Fast Food, Fat Profits: Obesity in America With the current trends in the consumption of foods, statistics show that, by the year 2015, a third of America will be obese.
  • The Work at “Checkers” Fast Food Restaurant The position of a cook is much different, as they are the person who carries out the duties and supports the infrastructure of the restaurant.
  • “Fast Food Nation” Movie by Richard Linklater This is a story of how one of the most favorite things in the country is destroying people’s health and undermining the belief that the world is a friendly and kind place where people love […]
  • Obesity in Hispanic Adolescents and Fast Food Most of these, however, describe the relationship existing between the prevalence of diabetes in the population and the consumption of fast foods.
  • Fast Food, Obesity, Depression, and Other Issues However, in busy communities, fast foods are increasingly being the preferred choice of food because of their price and convenience and that is why they are commonly served in many hotels, cafes and even some […]
  • Fast Food Consumption in New Jersey (United States) The survey aimed at evaluating the consumption of fast foods amongst the residents of New Jersey in the USA. Other objectives that were considered during the study included determination of whether the habit contributed to […]
  • Factors Contributing to Fast Food Consumption in UAE Nevertheless, the transformation from homemade food to fast food has been so severe and widespread that people have become addicted to fast food in the UAE.
  • The Fast Food Danger Awareness Among the Young People However, it is worrying that many people in this society are not aware of the dangers that this industry poses to young people.
  • Blue Springs Fast Food Store vs. Blue Gardens Restaurant Analysis The lighting is moderated to give the facility a unique ambiance, and the color of the walls is also very attractive.
  • Fast Food War in Singapore: The Stiff Competition and Fight for Customers In this case, the market conditions will allow the firm to choose product attributes that counter the products of their competitors.
  • Should Fast Food Qualify As “Food”? Nowadays, it became a commonplace practice among many people to suggest that fast food cannot be considered areal.’ This, of course, implies that the consumption of fast food can hardly be considered beneficial to the […]
  • Fast Food Industry and Its Impacts The experiment made in the film shows how consuming of the fast food influences the human body, presents a visual demonstration of the processes happening in our inside organs under the influence of chemicals contained […]
  • The Practice of Fast Food in the United States This survey concluded that fast food consumption entails a large intake of junk foods as well as a reduction in the intake of healthy foods.
  • Analysis of the Documentary Fast Food, Fat Profits This is one of the issues that can be distinguished. This is one of the limitations that can be singled out.
  • Obesity and Fast Food In fact, a larger proportion of the gains in the body mass arise from the escalating promotional activities carried out by the fast-food producing companies such as McDonalds.
  • The economical aspects and different perspectives for fast food industry in Canada Figure 1: The leading fast-food companies in Canada Source: Reiter Slcfred stated that Mcdinalds had more than 31000 outlets all over the world, among them 5% restaurants or 1550 outlets are in Canada and highest […]
  • Challenges Inherent in Repositioning a Fast Food Chain Much money has to be spent during the repositioning process, and, in a period of financial crisis, as is the current situation, it is very important to come up with some cost-effective strategies to succeed […]
  • The Fast-food Industry in Russia For example, the legislation guaranteed the right of workers to organize themselves in labour unions, strike and even challenge the decisions that are made by the management The Russian federation labour laws are a combination […]
  • An Analysis of Fast Freeze Foods Ltd This paper focuses on the successes of his management in managing the performance of the company to ensure success in such a turbulent industry as the company is operating.
  • Fast Food Drive-throughs In this respect, the drive-through services are aimed at reducing the throughput time and serving a maximum number of clients in the minimum time compared to other similar services.s such, it is necessary to compare […]
  • Deli Depot Fast Food Restaurants Strategy Objectives To improve on the sales of the business hence increasing the profit margin To strategise on how to take over the market from other competitors To come up with a good team of employees […]
  • The Fast-Food Industry and Legal Accountability for Obesity The principle of least harm in ethics is closely associated with the fast food industry; this is mainly because of the basic fact that fast food increases chances of obesity to its consumers.
  • Fast Food on Campus: When Affordable Meals Overshadow the Nutrition Issues Starting Positively Much to the credit of fast food and the companies producing it, there are also a number of positive aspects of providing fast food on the territory of campus.
  • The Fast Food Chains “Five Guys” in the USA Five Guys is one of the fastest growing fast food chains in the USA and it is now expanding overseas. One of the reasons for such a success is the thoughtful philosophy of the fast […]
  • “The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Search for a Perfect Meal in a Fast-Food World” by Michael Pollan The poultry helps in the spreading of manure as the chicken looks for larvae to eat. There are a lot of processed foods available in the market such that one is spoilt for choice.
  • Comparison Between the Jungle and Fast Food Nation The writer of the book came up with suggestion on what ought to be done to eliminate the issue of minimal salaries among the citizens, hence, improve the living standards of the people in the […]
  • The Nature of Fast Food Advertising in North American & Its Influence The nature of fast food advertising in North America is such that most fast food restaurants depict the advantages of eating fast food in a bid to entice the clients.
  • Fast Food, Quick Problem Emergence, Rapid Addiction and Slow Recovery Process Because of the growing popularity of the fast food products, the concern for the effect that the fast food meals have on the population is growing increasingly big, yet the solutions for the problems and […]
  • Fast Food and Hate Groups Harvey would lay his hands on the member’s heads to reconfirm them to the group after which the members would swear an oath to Harvey and Pendgrass that they will uphold the beliefs and convictions […]
  • How Has the Fast Food Industry Changed From the 1950s to the Present?
  • What Are the Causes of Popularity for Fast Food Restaurants?
  • Are Fast Food and Junk Food Companies Ethically Responsible for Customers?
  • What Are the Effects of Eating Fast Food?
  • How Did Jollibee Build Its Position in the Philippine Fast Food Industry?
  • What Are the Key Success Factors That Make the Fast Food Business Model Work?
  • Does Consumer Preference Shift Away From Fast Food?
  • What Constitutes Good Customer Service and Makes a Company in the Fast Food Industry Indispensable?
  • How Are Fast Food Advertising and Childhood Obesity Related?
  • What Makes Chipotle Unique Among Other Fast Food Chains?
  • Can Apps Make Fast Food Even Faster?
  • How Is Fast Food Changing American Food Culture?
  • Why Isn’t Fast Food Cheaper Than Healthy Food?
  • Are Fast Food Restaurants to Blame for Obesity?
  • How Can Fitness Overcome Fast Food?
  • What Marketing Strategies Use McDonald’s to Compete With Burger King in the Fast Food Industry?
  • Why Are Fast Food Restaurants Popular?
  • How Has Healthy Living Culture Brought About Changes in the Fast Food Industry?
  • Does Fast Food Have a Possible Connection With Obesity?
  • How Do Eco Activists Take Action Towards the Fast Food Industries?
  • Should Fast Food Advertisements Be Banned?
  • What Retention Strategies Can Be Used by Fast Food Companies?
  • How Do Life Styles Affect the Consumption of Fast Food?
  • Should Fast Food Companies Be Held Responsibility for Children’s Obesity?
  • How Did McDonald’s Change Fast Food?
  • Should Fast Food Only Be Sold to People Eighteen and Older?
  • How Has the Recession Affected the Fast Food Sector?
  • Should Schools Serve Fast Food Like Mcdonald’s?
  • What Are Most Serious Negative Effects of Eating Fast Food?
  • Why Should Americans Eat Less Fast Food?
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Why U.S. Cities Are Banning New Fast-Food Drive-Throughs

Jodi Helmer

fast food restaurants should be banned essay

More cities are passing legislation to ban the construction of drive-through windows in an attempt to curb emissions, reduce litter and improve pedestrian safety. The bans are also sometimes touted as a way to help fight obesity, but past studies suggest they don't have that effect. Tim Boyle/Getty Images hide caption

More cities are passing legislation to ban the construction of drive-through windows in an attempt to curb emissions, reduce litter and improve pedestrian safety. The bans are also sometimes touted as a way to help fight obesity, but past studies suggest they don't have that effect.

Pulling into the drive-through lane to order a burger and fries is getting harder in some U.S. cities.

In August, Minneapolis became the latest city to pass an ordinance banning the construction of new drive-through windows. Similar legislation restricting or banning the ubiquitous windows has also passed in Creve Coeur, Mo.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Fair Haven, N.J.

Most bans focus on curbing emissions, reducing litter, improving pedestrian safety and enhancing walkability. In Minneapolis, City Council President Lisa Bender notes that the ordinance fits in with Minneapolis 2040 , a plan for growth and development that includes achieving an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

But such legislation is also sometimes promoted as an opportunity to create healthier food environments and curb obesity. In a study analyzing drive-through bans in 27 Canadian cities, researchers noted, "health promotion and chronic disease prevention are public health gains from the implementation of fast food drive-through service bylaws."

In South Los Angeles, where an estimated 45% of the 900 restaurants in the area served fast food and almost 37% of adults and 30% of children were obese, a 2008 regulation that prohibited opening or expanding stand-alone fast-food restaurants and drive-through windows was aimed at curbing that health epidemic.

In the report " The City Planner's Guide to the Obesity Epidemic: Zoning and Fast Food ," researchers support the idea that zoning could help protect residents from high-calorie, high-fat foods, saying that the purported public health benefits provide "a logical and compelling justification for the regulation of fast food outlets by zoning laws to protect the public's health from the devastating obesity epidemic."

Roland Sturm, a senior economist at Rand Corp., a nonprofit research firm, calls the notion ridiculous. Proponents of the bans often tout potential health benefits, he explains, but there is no evidence to back up those claims.

Obesity rates went up, not down, after South Los Angeles banned new stand-alone fast-food restaurants and drive-through windows, according to research published in the journal Social Science & Medicine in 2015 . Sturm, the lead author, notes that the rates of overweight and obesity continued climbing in the three years following the ban.

"We need to be careful not to overstate what these bans can do," says Sturm. "If we want to lower obesity and want people to be healthier, [drive-through bans] are not going to achieve that."

Indeed, the move appears to be less successful than other legislation aimed at controlling calories and reducing obesity. Soda taxes were linked to a 52% decrease in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among low-income residents in Berkeley, Calif. Evidence about the impact of menu labeling is less clear, but some studies have found that it affects the number of calories in meals purchased at fast-food restaurants.

Hank Cardello, director of the Hudson Institute's Food Policy Center and author of Stuffed: An Insider's Look at Who's (Really) Making America Fat and How the Food Industry Can Fix It, warns that attempting to address obesity with legislation is a supersize task.

The bans are not meant to abolish fast food. Existing drive-through windows are often exempt from bans, and customers can still get out of their cars and venture inside for grab-and-go tacos, burgers, chicken tenders and milkshakes. In the absence of a drive-through option, famished customers might order their dinner through an app like Uber Eats or Grubhub, which Cardello says he believes might be worse for the environment.

Change, he argues, needs to start with the industry, not local legislators. New research published in the Lancet medical journal implicates the food industry for fueling obesity and climate change and suggests restricting global brands such as McDonald's and Coca-Cola from participating in policy-related discussions.

"Instead of banning drive-throughs, we need to put pressure on the restaurant chains," Cardello says. "As an industry, they haven't stepped up to make a commitment to cutting calories and improving nutrition ... to make eating healthy more of a default choice."

Jodi Helmer is a North Carolina journalist and beekeeper who frequently writes about food.

  • obesity epidemic
  • food industry
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • drive throughs

fast food restaurants should be banned essay

Before banning fast food shops near schools, give pupils a reason to dine in

fast food restaurants should be banned essay

Professor of Food and Public Health, University of Hertfordshire

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Wendy Wills receives funding from Food Standards Scotland, the Food Standards Agency and the ESRC.

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A ban on fast food shops operating within 400 metres of schools has been called for by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. At a time when nearly one third of children aged two to 15 are overweight or obese , this measure sends a strong message to young people and their families, about the importance of cutting down on fast food. Even so, I doubt it would work.

Young people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to go past food shops on their way to or from school, compared with pupils from wealthier backgrounds. Having the opportunity to buy food or drink makes people more likely to do so, so it’s important to consider access to food shops, when searching for ways to encourage young people to eat better.

But many young people go out to buy food before, during or after school at shops further than 400 metres away. Some will run to the shops during their lunch break, to get the food they want. Independent shops, in particular, understand their school-aged customers’ preferences, which are typically to buy something that fills them up quickly, at a price they can afford.

And it’s not just fast food shops which sell goods that are high in fat, salt or sugar; supermarkets also attract pupils with meal deals and other marketing promotions, which means that a group of friends can chip in to buy a multi-pack of donuts, for example, at a price that appeals to them.

Reality bites

If government is serious about enacting this kind of regulation, it would need to extend the ban to all food outlets within an 800-1,000 metre radius of schools. Otherwise, the policy will do little to change where young people buy their food and drink.

fast food restaurants should be banned essay

Students from lower income families want their money to stretch as far as possible, so they are canny consumers when it comes to finding the best value chips, crisps or soft drinks.

Of course, this is not the food and drink that public health professionals such as myself would like young people to consume. But the reality is that most teenagers prioritise spending time with their friends over setting out to find healthier food or drink options.

Consulting with caterers

But there’s still a lot schools can do to help. Basic things, such as ensuring tables and chairs in the cafeteria are not broken; providing cool, fresh jugs of water; not pushing young people outside once they have eaten and taking the time to find out what students actually want to eat and drink.

These simple solutions come up time and again in research , and still many schools find it difficult to consult with young people about improving the food and dining environment, in a way that will appeal to them.

Yet the big companies with contracts to provide food and drink in schools, such as Sodexo , are increasingly willing to spend time producing strategies together with young people. School governors, head teachers and in-house catering staff need to prioritise working with contract caterers to come up with new, inclusive ways of persuading young people that school is the cool place to eat.

  • School meals
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Should more governments take aim at fast food?

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  • public policy

Policies that counter fast food consumption might offer governments a way to tackle the growing obesity epidemic, a new study proposes.

The research is the first to look at the effects of deregulation in the economy and increases in fast food transactions and BMIs over time.

The findings show that fast food purchases were independent predictors of increases in the average body mass index (BMI) in the United States and 24 other wealthy nations from 1999 to 2008.

Nations with stronger government regulations—such as producer protection, price controls, intervention on competition, and taxes—experienced slower increases in fast food purchases and average BMIs.

“Unless governments take steps to regulate their economies, the ‘invisible hand of the market’ will continue to promote obesity worldwide with disastrous consequences for future public health and economic productivity,” says Roberto De Vogli, associate professor in the department of public health sciences at the University of California, Davis.

Rather than looking at the density of fast food outlets or self-reported fast food consumption as researchers have done in the past, De Vogli and colleagues compared data on fast food transactions per capita with figures on BMI, a standard measure of body fat based on height and weight. A person with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

Published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization , the study focuses on high-income countries, but the findings are also relevant to developing countries as “virtually all nations have undergone a process of market deregulation and globalization—especially in the last three decades,” De Vogli says.

Unhealthy weight is widespread

While the average number of annual fast food transactions per capita increased from 26.61 to 32.76, average BMI increased from 25.8 to 26.4. Thus, each 1-unit increase in the average number of annual fast food transactions per capita was associated with an increase of 0.0329 in BMI over the study period.

The BMI figures revealed that the problem of unhealthy weight is widespread; people living in all 25 countries included in the study were, on average, overweight.

The average number of annual fast food transactions per capita increased in all 25 countries. The sharpest increases were in Canada (by 16.6 transactions per capita), Australia (14.7), Ireland (12.3) and New Zealand (10.1), Norway (9.0), and the US (8.6), while the lowest increases were in countries with more stringent market regulation, including Italy (1.5), the Netherlands (1.8), Greece (1.9), Belgium (2.1), Portugal (2.6), and Spain (3.4).

“It’s not by chance that countries with the highest average BMIs and fast food purchases are those in the forefront of market liberalization,” De Vogli says. “Whereas countries with lower average BMIs and fewer fast food transactions have some of the tightest controls on food economies.”

Increases in BMIs could not be explained by increases in animal fat consumption or total calories, which remained close to constant over the course of the study.

“This was surprising,” De Vogli says. “Fast food tends to be high in animal fats, which have been linked to unhealthy weight. The only factor that can partially explain the BMI increases is soft drink purchases.”

Future research should focus on categorizing food items according to levels of processing instead of fats and calories, which could help identify the specific determinants of overweight and obesity, De Vogli says.

“The next step will be to study in detail what is done with food and how those processes alter calorie and nutrient content along with health.”

Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center and Queen’s University in Belfast contributed to the study, which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council in the UK.

Source: UC Davis

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DebateWise

Fast Food Advertising Should Be Banned

fast food restaurants should be banned essay

Banning and partial banning of fast food advertising has been a cause for debate globally over the last few years. The call to ban has been in large part due to the influence these businesses have on childhood obesity rates. Another factor driving the debate is health issues in the general population from the consumption of fast foods. Diabetes, intestinal problems, and poor dental health are all contributed to by processed foods and high sugar content drinks that are the mainstay of fast food restaurants.

All the Yes points:

Fast food advertising and childhood obesity, fast food, diabetes and heart disease, long term damage, fast foods and functional gastrointestinal disorders, fast food and your dental health, all the no points:, its a business, a business doing its job, yes because….

Since the 1970s fast food advertising and ads targeting children specifically have increased dramatically. At the same time, the instance of obesity has also skyrocketed. It is difficult to deny the link between increased fast food advertising and childhood obesity. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation , approximately 50 percent of ads children are exposed to are food related. Of these none are for fruits, vegetables, or other healthy choices. Children are exposed to nearly 21 advertisements per day, and of these only one every two to three days is a public service announcement for healthier eating. Studies by the American Psychological Association show advertisers spend more than twelve billion dollars per year on ads targeting children. If these were not particularly effective, this would be a very poor investment from the food industry. To investigate this trend, the Task Force on Advertising and Children was formed. Their research shows children’s product preference begins with a single commercial viewing. Additional viewing serves to further strengthen the child’s preference for a particular product. The American Psychological Association further notes a great deal of research shows eating unhealthy fast foods and excluding healthy alternatives leads to obesity and overall poor health. The trend has been reported on repeatedly. Dr. Victor Strasburger recently told Reuters news agency, “Just by banning ads for fast food, one study says we could decrease obesity and overweight by 17 percent.” That reduction in childhood obesity alone should be enough to ban fast food advertising.

No because…

Fast food doesn’t necessarily make people fat, just unhealthy (cholesterol, starch etc) . See, I’m not fat but I don’t feel healthy because I barely have any muscle and I live on fat, sugar and starch mostly. I need to change my diet and exercise. Fast food chains are also offering balanced diets, high protein, salad bowls etc are all on the menu even at pizza hut and McDonald’s. It is also the obligation of the parents to police what their children view and how much screen time they get. If parents today took a more proactive approach, spending more personal time and using television less as a babysitter we would see less obesity in children. Also parents today need to remember they are the ones in charge, not the children. There seems to be a trend today where parents are afraid to anger the child by saying no. Perhaps some of the blame for the increase in childhood obesity rates lies with the hands off approach to parenting which has become the norm in modern society.

Setting aside the risks to children, there are a number of health concerns for anyone consuming fast food. In a research paper published by the University of Minnesota eating fast food just two or more times per week increases the risks of developing type 2 diabetes by an astounding 27 percent. The same study also determined eating fast food one time per week increased the risk of death by coronary heart disease by 20 percent. Having two to three fast food meals a week ups the risk to 50 percent. If you enjoy dining four or more times each week on fast food, your risk of death from coronary heart disease climbs to a terrifying 80 percent. Researchers from the university had noted nearly all studies into the health risks associated with the consumption of fast food had been conducted here in the United States and other developed western countries. The myriad of other risk factors available in western culture that increase the likelihood of these diseases has often been utilized to discredit the results of similar studies. To avoid the possibility of clouding the results, the University of Minnesota study was conducted in Singapore. At the time of the study western style fast food was a new introduction to a primarily eastern culture. With the increased consumption of fast food by the local population came dramatically increased rates of heart disease and diabetes. It is important to note the majority of the study participants with the highest intake of fast foods were from the younger generation and led more active lifestyles. The people showing the greatest effect from the introduction of fast food to their diets would typically be those with the lowest risk factors for these diseases. Numbers are incapable of lying. Findings from the University of Minnesota research study clearly show the correlation between fast food consumption and the increased risks of both coronary heart disease and diabetes. Tobacco and alcohol were banned from television advertising because of the health risks to the general public. With fast food consumption posing such a serious risk to public health, their advertising should also be banned.

There is little to be said against this particular argument for the banning of fast food advertising. The only conceivable rebuttal that could be brought to bear is that of personal choice and responsibility. The sole purpose of advertising is to convince the individual they have a preference or desire for one product over other available options. It becomes a matter of personal responsibility to either abstain from consuming unhealthy foods or use in moderation. All the health risks listed can be mitigated through self control with regards to frequency and portion sizing combined with a healthy lifestyle including exercise.

It does long term damage to individuals leading to countless diseases eventually and its promotion should be banned as is cigarrete ads.

Do folk not have a choice ?. No one makes them eat or smoke. People have always had the choice, and some decide to eat what they like and when, and then walk away instead of getting a taxi or daddy to collect. It is the fat people who have given these eating establishments a bad name.

Another set of health problems associated with eating fast food are called Functional gastrointestinal disorders which include Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic idiopathic constipation and abdominal migraine. A study published in 2016 by the University of Washington in association with the National Yang Ming University in Taiwan investigated the possibility of fast food causing these disorders. The research found slightly more than 88 percent of adolescents suffering with functional gastrointestinal disorders were frequent consumers of fast food. Their findings concluded a significant correlation between fast food consumption and functional gastrointestinal disorders. This study determined the likely cause of gastrointestinal disorder to be high concentrations of sodium, fat and sugars. Also excessive concentrations of trans fatty acids found in fast food contribute to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This consumption of fats and sugars coupled with a lack of fruits, vegetables, and sources of dietary fiber lead to imbalance in the natural flora required in the intestines for proper digestion. Abdominal migraine was the most common affliction associated with fast food induced functional gastrointestinal disorder. According to Migraine.com children who deal with abdominal migraines in their youth frequently suffer from migraine headaches later in life. These children are also more likely to develop psychiatric problems such as anxiety in adulthood. These life altering long term effects are further cause to eliminate fast food advertising.

There are a few ways in which a fast food diet is harmful to your oral health. Russell Roderick , who holds a doctorate of medicine in dentistry degree, states the primary concern for dental health with fast food is the high content of salt and sugar. When these foods are consumed the added salts and sugars tend to help food particles stick to tooth surfaces. Food stuck to the teeth allows acids to build up on the surface. It is the buildup of these acids that causes tooth decay and cavities. A secondary contributing factor to dental problems related to fast food is the soft drink. Typically soda is consumed with fast food meals. Workers in fast food restaurants are trained to ask if you want a soda with your meal. Many years of dental research have shown the sugars and carbonation in these beverages wear down the enamel of teeth. Enamel is your tooth’s protective coating, without it you are exceedingly prone to cavities and tooth decay. Finally, as mentioned earlier a diet of fast food significantly increases the risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. Diabetes comes with its own dangers to good oral health. People that are diabetic show a significant increase in the risk of periodontal disease. Diabetics must maintain proper blood glucose levels to help prevent oral health problems. Registered nurse David Spero explains in his article for diabetes self management that increased fat content in fast food creates complications in controlling the levels of sugar in the blood by delaying the release of glucose into the system.

Business has a right to advertise its product. Without successful advertising the industry would undoubtedly shrink. The resulting loss of employment for fast food workers would bring its own set of dangers to health and well being.

So what if they advertise? Its your self control that says “no i shouldn’t have that today”. If you don’t like it, then don’t like it. But lets face, they have hundreds of customers per day. Just because you dont agree with fast food doesn’t mean no one does. Should we ban advertisements for cookies? Soda? Energy drinks? other ‘junk food’? Besides, eating a big mac, some fries and a drink from mcdonalds is better than eating most dishes you can get at an italian restaurant. In face, pizza is really bad for you too. Should we ban pizza advertisements? Do some research to whats bad for you. Most things contain something that people complain about. From Vitamin Water to Perscription Medications. And yes, Meds that have advertisments could be bad for you too! In turn, with the logic of the “yes” argument, nothing should be advertised.

I’m researching whom to petition to have all of the food advertisements banned from television. I’m a 71 year old female who has no sense of feeling full. I’m having a never-ending fight with my weight because I can’t tell when I’ve eaten. One night, after seeing a commercial for a Taco Bell product, I went to Taco Bell and bought it. If I had not seen it, I wouldn’t have wanted it, or even known about it. I feel like food commercials in our face every few minutes is part of the obesity problem world wide. They removed smoking and alcohol commercials, so why not food? If anyone knows how I/we can go about petitioning the stations/government about this issue, please let me know. I have to pick two TV shows and switch whenever commercials come on so I avoid as many as possible. I would appreciate a little peace in my life at my age.

I came to this page after googling banning of fast food advertising. Not sure if anyone is here to read but I wanted to have a say.

I’m currently listening to the radio and there were three fast food ads on in the same break period, all advertising fast food. Not the healthy options, the cheapest, fatty options.

It made me think. If tackling obesity in the whole population (not just children) is such a priority, WHY is the government not banning these adverts for fast food? I mean, these chains could still advertise their healthy options – the salads and such – meaning that they were still visible, but why is advertising of sugary drinks, burgers, pizzas, chocolate…..still possible?

The biggest argument I see against banning is that ‘it’s personal choice’. ‘The food doesn’t make you fat, you make you fat by eating it’. ‘You don’t have to pay attention to the adverts’. Well……what happened with smoking? Liked heavily to cancer, advertising was stopped.

So why not fast food. It is a factor in so many health problems, including obesity, obesity can cause cancer……

Just my ramblings!

I also found this site while looking for a way to have food commercials banned. I have an eating disorder, so I especially don’t need to be seeing food in my face all of the time I’m trying to relax. I play station leap frog to avoid the commercials, but I’d love to see them removed also. ;-D

Looking back at one of these comments I saw someone saying they serve salad bowls at McDonald’s. While this is factual it is only healthy until you add the salad dressing they provide for you. this contains sugar and salt and many other NON nutritional ingredient.

actually everything can be preserved, every fast food can be preserved for a long while

I passionately believe junk food advertising should be banned for many reasons, because it causes problems like obesity, the heart, lungs and many more! More than 1.4 billion adults are overweight and 500 million of them have obesity! But it doesn’t just affect adults it affects children too! In 2011 40 million kids were over weight, which is bad because in future you ight not get the job u want and you might pay extra for transport, just because your over weight!

i strongly believe that it should be banned because encourages people to buy junk food which is bad for their body and is harm.

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Food Advertisements: To Ban or Not to Ban?

Khalid m. alkharfy.

From the College of Pharmacy and Biomarkers Research Program, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Driving in any of our big cities you would hardly miss at least a dozen street food advertisements displaying new menus and the latests inventions of the snack food industry. How many times have you had your little children begging you to go to a fast food restaurant after spotting the magic “Meal Box” on a street ad? Not to enjoy the meal as much but rather to unveil what surprise game is hidden in the box, and perhaps along with some “quality” time in the playground; for me, it has been countless times. But that is not all! Why we are bombarded with “cannot miss” sandwich and pizza deals chasing us to our houses and even while reading the newspaper or watching the television? The answer is quite simple. We are obviously being conditioned to look at food as an entertainment.

This subject should be looked at from the context of the increasing weight problem and associated co-morbidities in the last few decades. Globally, there has been a big change in disease burden as non-communicable diseases have become the main cause of death, where imbalances of nutrition, diet and physical activity play a major role. 1 Locally, surveys in a number of different areas and provinces have reported a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi children in all age groups and in all provinces. 2 A recent study indicates that overall country prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi children is 23.1% and 9.3%, respectively. 3 The picture is gloomier when you look at the children living in urbanized regions where obesity can reach up to 23.3%, 4 which coincides with major changes in lifestyle-related factors such as unhealthy eating habits, including the wide availability of high-energy food snacks, and a lack of physical activity. Indeed, a large percentage (i.e. about 50-60%) of children and adolescents do not adequately exercise, 5 which adds to the problem of overeating and weight gain. For Saudi adults, it has been estimated that 27.23% of males and 25.20% of females are overweight, while 13.05% and 20.26% males and females, respectively, are obese. 6

It is widely accepted that exposure to food advertisements promotes over-consumption in younger children and obese and overweight children are indeed more responsive to food promotion, which specifically stimulates the intake of energy-dense snacks. Halford and co-workers have compared the eating habits of obese to non-obese children and they found that obese children consume significantly more fast foods than the non-obese children. 7 , 8 These findings among others have led to the development of seven principles known as ‘The Sydney Principles’ by an International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) Working Group to guide action on changing food and beverage marketing practices that target children. 9 The Principles state that actions to reduce marketing to children should support the rights of children, afford substantial protection to children, be statutory in nature, take a wide definition of commercial promotions, guarantee commercial-free childhood settings, include cross-border media, and be evaluated, monitored and enforced.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) conducted a large study to directly tie childhood obesity to fast-food advertising on American television, based on the viewing habits of 13 000 children between 1979 and 1997. The study concluded that a ban on fast-food advertising to children would cut the US obesity rate by as much as 18%. 10 This was perceived a long time ago in the Scandinavian countries where Sweden and Norway instituted bans on all ads to children in the early 1990s. Similarly, Quebec has also banned food advertising to children during programs geared toward kids. Also, the Children's Food Act 2004 of United Kingdom makes a provision regarding the marketing and sale of food and drink to children. Unfortunately, studies evaluating the effect of fast-food advertisements on weight gain among Saudis are lacking. Therefore, an exploration of a possible association is highly needed.

Perhaps behavioral modification with respect to food intake will be effective in the treatment of obesity, especially in Saudi Arabia. Controlling exposure to food advertisements should have a positive impact on the way we all perceive food. This, along with reasonable physical activity should be encouraged as a strategy directed towards weight reduction and obesity and related diseases in the Kingdom. And the question “to ban or not to ban the food advertisements in our country” remains to be answered.

fast food restaurants should be banned essay

Home > Advice > What's Bad For You > 5 Reasons Junk Food Should Be Banned

5 Reasons Junk Food Should Be Banned

fast food

It’s not a secret that fast food is bad for you. I don’t think I just blew your mind by writing that. I do, however, think that people believe that there’s nothing wrong with eating fast food in moderation. It really comes down to ignorance being blissful.

I love the analogy that our bodies are like vehicles. You want the best fuel for your car, but do you always provide the right fuel for your body? The fast food industry gives that option to people, giving you regular when your gas-guzzler requires premium.

The main reason fast food should be foods to avoid is an obvious one: it can lead to many health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes . Fast food consumption is probably one of the most common addictions that nobody talks about. The addiction leads to disease.

People talk about the seriousness of alcohol and smoking addictions; however, how many fast food addiction help centers are there? It doesn’t appear to be a big concern because people have to eat. And, if there were public service announcements about how you should limit your fast food consumption, how do you think the big corporations would act? Let’s just say it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

The solution is about making informed and healthier choices . A lot of people realize that the Big Mac is causing health problems, but do they relate that mouth-watering meal to why they are angry at the world or are getting divorced? When you realize the role fast food plays on your health and on society, you may discontinue your daily or weekly trip to your favorite burger or pizza joint.

Here Are Five Reasons Fast Food Should Be Banned

1. fast food isn’t even food.

Pretty much every nutritional expert will tell you not to eat any processed food, especially fast food. They don’t even consider it food, not even the so-called “healthier” options with fewer calories. For your body to function properly, it needs quality nutrients.

There is very little fiber, vitamins, or minerals in your fast food, which means your digestion is instantly compromised. Fast foods should definitely be foods to avoid. They are highly processed, piled with refined sugar, salt, saturated fat, and hydrogenated fat.

It’s also no secret that factory-farmed animal products and genetically modified foods are the fast food industry’s best friends.

2. Fast Food Affects Your Brain

Have you ever wondered why you feel so calm and clear-minded, and other people are so angry at the world ? The fast food industry plays a big part with this. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are beneficial for brain health. A fast food-oriented diet lacks these nutrients, one of the reasons fast foods are foods to avoid.

Magnesium, tryptophan, and low glycemic foods are all essential for proper cognitive function. B vitamins such as folic acid (B9) will help prevent mental issues like paranoia and decreased memory.

Eating too many carbohydrates such as hamburger buns, French fries, and pizza will affect your mood and may cause depression and anxiety. It makes sense then that people who regularly eat fast food are 51% more likely to become depressed, according to a study.

Whenever you have a goal to accomplish, adding fast foods to your list of foods to avoid and eating plenty of real foods (fruits, vegetables, grains) will help you focus.

3. Fast Food Quickly Drains Your Wallet

A lot of people justify their fast food habit based on cost. “I want something cheap and easy,” they might say. The truth is the cost really adds up! Depending on the location, basic fast food meals can range between five and eight dollars.

You could easily spend $15-$20 making a homemade meal, instead of spending $40-$50 on a family of four eating one fast food meal (another reason to add them to your list of foods to avoid).

Related: Comparison Of Fast Food Vs. Home Cooked Meals

4. Fast Food Teenagers Become Unhealthy Adults

I believe nutrition education should be a priority from a young age. The impact of what you put into your body definitely should be drilled home in the classroom but it’s not. Whenever they are not at home, teenagers are free to eat what they want, and they might choose foods to avoid, like unhealthy fast food.

Fast food options like greasy pizza and fatty burgers are even cafeteria options. A student’s grades are greatly affected by the foods they eat and they play a role in concentration and misbehavior.

Taking an omega-3 and a multi-vitamin/mineral can help produce smart and goal-oriented students. The longer a kid or teenager continues their fast food habit, the more nutrient deficiencies they will obtain, and they will also be more prone to disease later in life.

5. Fast Food Increases Your Disease Risk

Your risk of disease increases when the majority of your diet is foods to avoid like fast food. Fat intake accounts for more than 40% of the American diet and fast food is high in fat. Also, weight gain and blood sugar spikes often go together, just as obesity and diabetes.

You will crave certain fast foods at different points of the day when your blood sugar levels are too low, such as your coffee and donut in the morning or your triple fudge sundae for dessert. This is why all fast and convenience foods are foods to avoid.

A healthy diet is the best way to protect against disease and balance your blood sugar levels with a significant amount of low glycemic index foods, such as salmon, tuna, avocado, broccoli, kale, and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Healthier Options

I realize it may be hard to make every meal in today’s constantly on-the-run society; however, there are healthier options when you have the right mindset. Think outside the take-out box, so to speak. I’m not saying never eat out because it really depends on your schedule, circumstances, and your habitual tendencies but there are some better options like:

  • Organic health food hot table buffets
  • Natural foods restaurants
  • Ordering healthy soups, preferably lentil, split pea, and other bean and vegetable options
  • Eating at Mexican, Brazilian, or other Latin places that may offer healthy bean and rice dishes.
  • 5 Fast Food Meals That Are Actually Healthy!
  • What’s Really Inside Your Fast-Food Sandwich?
  • Drive-Thru Dining: Tips for Choosing Healthy Options
  • Why Are Hot Dogs Bad for You?

Sources: “Fast-Food Consumption and the Ban on advertising Targeting Children: The Quebec Experience” AMA Journals; http://journals.ama.org/doi/abs/10.1509/jmkr.48.5.799?code=amma-site , last accessed Mar 10, 2014

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14 Fast Food Pros and Cons

You’re hungry. You don’t feel like cooking. Maybe you need to finish your meal quickly because you’ve got a tight schedule to keep. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults consume an average of 11.3% of their total daily calories with fast food. As a lifestyle becomes more hectic, fast food becomes a growing part of the diet.

In the United States, the top 10 quick service restaurant chains had 94,485 locations combined in 2011, according to information published by the Huffington Post. Virtually every community with more than 1,500 people has at least one fast food locations they can access. Gaarrison, MN even has a McDonalds and their total population in the 2010 census was just 210 people.

The advantage of fast food is that it provides people with affordable access to the number of calories they need for proper health. With meals priced at $2 or less in some locations, even low-income households can access food so they do not need to deal with hunger.

The disadvantage of fast food is the quality of calories that are being consumed. Many fast food products are high in fat content, high in sodium, and low in overall nutrition. Some fast food products contain more fat in one item than the average individual should consume in a day. Some have a salt content that is higher than what an individual should consume over an entire week.

Here are some more fast food pros and cons to consider.

What Are the Pros of Fast Food?

1. Healthy options are available. Modern fast food isn’t just about burgers and fries. There are some healthy fast food meals that can be found in the various chains throughout the world. At Chick-fil-A, the grilled chicken wraps can be as low as 340 calories. Some salads that are offered by Wendy’s are under 400 calories. Some of the “fresco” items at Taco Bell are under 350 calories. Even if you want a burger, Shake Shack offers a single hamburger for 360 calories and just 460mg of sodium.

2. You can save time. Most meals that are served at a fast food location are delivered in just minutes. These quick-service restaurants require little waiting to place an order as well. That means you can get in, grab a meal for the entire family, and get out in 30 minutes or less at many locations. Compared to a sit-down restaurant or the time it takes to prepare something at home, the time savings could be more than an hour.

3. The price is attractive if you limit your menu options. According to AOL Finance, the average cost of a fast food meal is between $5-$7. If you stick to value menu options, you could purchase a sandwich and a drink for $2-$3. A Crispy Potato soft taco, paired with a water, could put the cost for a meal at $1.50 or less at some Taco Bell locations.

4. It offers consistency. If you walk into a McDonalds in California, you expect a certain experience. The same is true if you walk into a McDonalds in Maine. No matter where you happen to be, you know that the food quality being received must meet certain standards. That can be an advantage if you are trying to find a place to eat in a place that’s unfamiliar to you.

5. Many fast food establishments are locally owned and operated. Most fast food locations are franchises, which means they are owned and operated by someone locally. This gives local entrepreneurs an opportunity to establish a business that can provide good-paying local jobs while meeting hunger needs. Even if the jobs are paying wages at or near the minimum wage, the chance to gain service skills and work in a team environment can help individuals find better jobs in the future.

6. US consumers can make informed decisions about their eating choices. Since the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, popularly known as “Obamacare,” fast food locations have been required to post the actual calorie count of each menu item. This allows consumers to know exactly how many calories they are consuming for every product. There are exceptions, such as restaurants that have fewer than 20 locations, but when someone knows exactly what they are eating, they are less likely to overeat.

What Are the Cons of Fast Food?

1. The cost of fast food can be deceiving. Although value meals seem like they provide a cost benefit, they really do not compare to the cost of a home-cooked meal. At the low-end of the average price estimate, a home-cooked meal will save the average household $2 per serving compared to a fast food meal. For a family of 4, just eating at home once per week more often than they previously do could result in an average savings of $416. For larger families, the average savings is even higher. That shows the savings of a fast food meal can sometimes be deceptive.

2. Food qualities tend to be lower at fast food locations. Fast food goes through a bulk production process. This tends to lower the overall quality of the food that is being produced. Many quick service restaurants use frozen foods that can be quickly heated or cooked to provide faster speeds. Long-term storage is often required to keep prices low, which limits fresh meats and organic vegetables.

3. It requires discipline to order healthy items at a fast food restaurant. The average menu item at a fast food restaurant is going to be a burger and fries, with a sweetened carbonated beverage on the side. Although healthy options do exist, they are not regularly promoted to the same extent a burger is promoted. You may need to ask the cashier or manager if a salad is possible or menu items could be modified to meet your health needs.

4. The healthy options at a fast food restaurant aren’t always that healthy. ABC News compared salads that are served at McDonald’s with the burgers that are on their menu. If you ate a chicken salad with creamy Caesar dressing and croutons, you’d be consuming 390 calories and over 1,300mg of sodium with 26 grams of fat. A double hamburger at McDonald’s contains 65 more calories, but 3 fewer grams of fat.

5. Fast food is addictive. The combination of fast foods being highly palatable and packaged in an attractive way can encourage dependence and addiction in some individuals. The American Psychiatric Association notes that most fast food meals are consumed with a soda, which contains a high sugar content and could contain caffeine, which further increases the chances of an addiction forming. Even high salt and high fat foods have the potential for addiction and obesity can have its own psychological dependence as well. It is a negative cycle that encourages consumption and leads to a higher risk of health issues.

6. Ingredients are not always published in an easily accessible way. If you want to know what it is you’re eating, fast food restaurants are required to publish ingredient lists for each menu item. You can find this list on the fast food provider’s website in most circumstances. Some publish this information on posters and display it at every location. Did you know that McDonald’s fries have 19 ingredients for US locations? Anti-foaming agents and natural beef flavor are included and you’d likely need to ask for the ingredient book from the manager to know this if you don’t have access to their site.

7. It changes the structure of society. Fast food might be cheap, but it also changes the family dynamic. Even if you stay at the quick service restaurant to eat, many have policies that do not allow families to linger and talk over their meals. You may have a 20- to 30-minute time limit enforced. Instead of catching up with each other, the focus is placed on eating as fast as possible to maximize potential daily revenues.

8. One meal from a fast food location could equal more calories than the person’s recommended daily intake level. The recommended number of calories to be consumed daily is about 2,000. Some people may require more, while others may need less. If someone went to Dairy Queen and ordered an ultimate burger, a large onion rings, and a large chocolate shake, they’d consume the exact amount of their recommended daily intake level.

These fast food pros and cons follow the same rule as any other nutritional item: moderation is required. Any food can be eaten in an unhealthy amount to promote an unhealthy weight, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. When fast food is thought of as a treat instead of a necessity, it can be a good thing. If it is relied upon for daily nutrition, then it could contribute to an unhealthy weight and a higher risk of future health concerns.

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Xi Bristles at Criticism of China Over the War in Ukraine

Talks in Paris with President Macron produced a call for an “Olympics truce” this summer but no concrete progress on Beijing putting pressure on Russia.

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Emmanuel Macron, Xi Jinping (forefront left), Ursula von der Leyen (rear) and others walking down the steps of an ornate building.

By Roger Cohen

Reporting from Paris

President Xi Jinping of China, on a two-day visit to France, spoke out firmly against criticism of his country for its close relationship with Russia during the war in Ukraine, saying that “we oppose the crisis being used to cast responsibility on a third country, sully its image and incite a new cold war.”

Flanked by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, with whom he held several rounds of talk on Monday, Mr. Xi stiffened as he defended China’s role, recalling it was “not at the origin of this crisis, nor a party to it, nor a participant.”

The bristling remark appeared aimed principally at the United States, which believes that China, aside from buying enormous amounts of Russian oil and gas, continues to aid Moscow’s war in Ukraine by providing satellite imagery to Russian forces along with jet fighter parts, microchips and other dual-use equipment.

Mr. Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s president, who attended a morning session of talks, pressured Mr. Xi to use his influence on Moscow to bring the war to an end. Mr. Xi will host President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia in Beijing later this month, but there was no suggestion — other than a general wish for peace — that he would ask his “no limits” ally to stop the war.

The talks in Paris took place as Mr. Putin again suggested he might be prepared to use nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine . Russia has specifically cited Mr. Macron’s taboo-breaking statement in February that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine could not be ruled out as a reason for Moscow’s decision to hold military exercises to practice for the possible use of battlefield, or “tactical,” nuclear weapons.

Mr. Macron has said repeatedly that he stands by his position on the possible deployment of troops, remarks intended, he says, to create “strategic ambiguity.” He did not address the issue on Monday.

Addressing Mr. Xi, the French president said, “Without security for Ukraine there can be no security for Europe.” But he emphasized that France was not at war with Russia or its people and did not seek to overturn Mr. Putin’s regime. Mr. Macron added, with respect to the war, that France and China “must maintain a close dialogue”

Earlier in the day, Ms. von der Leyen said Beijing should “use all its influence on Russia to end its war of aggression against Ukraine.” Mr. Xi had played “an important role in de-escalating Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threats,” she added, expressing confidence that the Chinese leader would “continue to do so against the backdrop of ongoing nuclear threats by Russia.”

“More effort is needed to curtail delivery of dual-use goods to Russia that find their way to the battlefield,” said Ms. von der Leyen, who has been blunter in her criticism of China than Mr. Macron. “And given the existential nature of the threats stemming from this war for both Ukraine and Europe, this does affect E.U.-China relations.”

It is relatively unusual for a top European official to describe the war in Ukraine as an “existential threat” to the European continent. Doing so may reflect Mr. Putin’s renewed talk of the use of nuclear weapons.

The atmosphere between Mr. Xi and Mr. Macron was friendly and full of mutual congratulation at the fruits of the 60-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries and vows to build a better world together. At a separate French-Chinese business summit attended by top executives, Mr. Xi said, “Between our two countries there is no geopolitical tension nor any fundamental conflict.”

The two leaders called jointly for an “Olympics truce” — a pause in all fighting in all conflicts across the world for the duration of the Paris Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Mr. Macron noted the gastronomic passions shared by the two countries, and offered Mr. Xi a couple of bottles of Cognac.

China started an anti-dumping investigation this year targeting European brandy — French Cognacs for the most part — after the European Union began an investigation into fast-growing subsidized electric car imports from China. This could lead to the imposition of European tariffs this year. Mr. Macron, thanking Mr. Xi for his “openness” on the Cognac question, suggested that the threat of Chinese tariffs had been staved off for the time being.

Mr. Macron, who wants to build a sovereign “Europe power” beholden neither to the United States nor China and pursuing its own interests with the military and industrial strength to do so, was, however, less effusive about relations with China than during a visit to Beijing last year, when the two countries declared a “global strategic partnership.”

“There can be no long-term exchange without reciprocity,” Mr. Macron said at the business summit, adding that his goal was to “rebalance” trade between the two countries.

France has an almost $50 billion trade deficit with China; Europe’s deficit with China has tripled to close to $325 billion over the past five years. The level of French investments in China is three times as much as China’s investment in France.

“There is an opportunity for a balanced partnership between France and China,” Bruno Le Maire, the French finance minister, said at the meeting with business executives. “We are right now far from that balance.”

A number of agreements between French and Chinese companies were announced, including several related to battery production, transportation and green energy. Mr. Macron called on Chinese companies to increase investments in France in the areas of electric batteries and vehicles, solar panels and computing, so long as the investments were made “in full respect of our sovereignty.”

Ms. von der Leyen also took a firm line on trade. Tensions are high between the 27-nation European Union and China because heavily subsidized Chinese manufacturing and weak domestic demand have led to a big export push from Beijing.

“These subsidized products — such as electric vehicles or, for example, steel — are flooding the European market,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “At the same time, China continues to massively support its manufacturing sector, and this is combined with domestic demand that is not increasing.”

“The world,” she declared, “cannot absorb China’s surplus production.”

The war in Ukraine has put great pressure on European economies — as has the consequent need to shift energy supplies after most of the continent stopped buying from Russia. Inflation has risen, and the fear that China could put companies out of business has risen along with it.

“Europe cannot accept market-distorting practices that could lead to deindustrialization here at home,” Ms. von der Leyen said, adding that “Europe will not waver from making tough decisions needed to protect its economy and security.”

Aurelien Breeden and Liz Alderman contributed reporting.

Roger Cohen is the Paris Bureau chief for The Times, covering France and beyond. He has reported on wars in Lebanon, Bosnia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Gaza, in more than four decades as a journalist. At The Times, he has been a correspondent, foreign editor and columnist. More about Roger Cohen

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

Ukraine asked the Biden administration to provide more intelligence  on the position of Russian forces and military targets inside Russia, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law a bill allowing some Ukrainian convicts to serve  in the country’s military in exchange for the possibility of parole at the end of their service, a move that highlights Kyiv’s desperate attempts to replenish its forces.

NATO allies are inching closer to sending troops into Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces . The move would be another blurring of a previous red line and could draw the United States and Europe more directly into the war.

World’s Nuclear Inspector: Rafael Grossi took over the International Atomic Energy Agency five years ago at what now seems like a far less fraught moment. With atomic fears everywhere, the inspector is edging toward mediator .

Frozen Russian Assets: As much as $300 billion in frozen Russian assets is piling up profits and interest income by the day. Now, Ukraine’s allies are considering how to use those gains to aid Kyiv .

Rebuilding Ukrainian Villages: The people of the Kherson region have slowly rebuilt their livelihoods since Ukraine’s military forced out Russian troops. Now they are bracing for another Russian attack .

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Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

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COMMENTS

  1. Fast Food And Why It Should Be Banned: [Essay Example], 1465 words

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  18. 14 Fast Food Pros and Cons

    According to AOL Finance, the average cost of a fast food meal is between $5-$7. If you stick to value menu options, you could purchase a sandwich and a drink for $2-$3. A Crispy Potato soft taco, paired with a water, could put the cost for a meal at $1.50 or less at some Taco Bell locations. 4. It offers consistency.

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    McDonald's was an "almost magical place where food always replenished itself and people smiled at you," she said. "It represented more than just a place to get American hamburgers."

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    McDonald's restaurants are reopening in Russia this weekend, but without the Golden Arches. After the American fast-food giant pulled out this spring to protest President Vladimir V. Putin's ...

  23. Russia Becomes a Magnet for U.S. Fast-Food Chains

    The average check at a Russian fast-food outlet — $8.92 according to research by a Wendy's franchisee here — is significantly higher than the United States average of $6.50. A large "the ...

  24. Xi Bristles at Criticism of China Over the War in Ukraine

    President Xi Jinping of China, on a two-day visit to France, spoke out firmly against criticism of his country for its close relationship with Russia during the war in Ukraine, saying that "we ...