Food and Nutrition Policies in European Countries within the Context of Development of Fast Food Industry 2023 Revista Universitara de Sociologie 2023

2023 Rev. Universitara Sociologie 165 (2023)
Food and Nutrition Policies in European Countries within the Context of Development of Fast Food Industry

handle is hein.journals/rvusoclge2023 and id is 165 raw text is:

FOOD AND NUTRITION POLICIES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT OF FAST FOOD
INDUSTRY

Camelia MUNTEAN1 Gabriela MOTOIz,

1 Associate Professor, Ph.D., Faculty of Horticulture, University of Craiova (Romania),
Email: camelia~muntean(@edu~ucv~ro

2 Associate Professor, PhD, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Craiova (Romania),
Email: gabrielanotoimedumucvmro

Abstract: The starting point of this communication is one of the Conclusions of the European
Congress on the Problem of Obesity (September 2020) and of Global Obesity Observatory
according to which 24.22% ofRomania s population is obese. We all know that in a society where
people are in a hurry togetfrom one place to another, the possibility ofserving food quickly (even,
sometimes, without leaving the car) may seem like an irresistible offer. In addition to speed,
accessibility, the standardization of products and the emphasis on low price are some of the so-
called advantages offast food, which have made this industry develop massively in the last 30
years: according to statistics, fast food generates revenue of over $570 billion. However, we also
know that fast food products accumulate a lot of calories (approximately all the calories needed
for a whole day are used at one meal), and regular consumption of such products leads to
disruption of normal metabolism. This article presents, in a comparative manner, the response of
EU in terms of public policies, national regulations in the field offood and nutrition.

Keywords: fast-food; EU policies; healthy nutrition; food consumption

1. Introduction: Tracing the roots and growth of the fast food industry
The emergence of the fast food industry was determined by several factors. The first of
these is related to the change in people's lifestyle, starting with the 1920s. the 20th century,
which came amid the development of urbanization and industrialization processes
(Baudrillard, 2016). These led to the emergence of a middle class in American society, with its
own lifestyle, which enjoyed greater access to leisure, vacations, and contract activities. In the
most recent period, the development of technology has generated, in its turn, the appearance of
a new addiction, from smartphone addiction (Popescu et al, 2022), to the addiction of
consuming services and products, including food products, procured through digital platforms.
Gradually, the 20th century and, later, the 21st century generated, against the backdrop
of globalization and the development of modern commerce, best illustrated by the appearance
of large shopping centers, hypermarkets and malls and, later it was called the McDonaldization
of society (Schlosser, 2001; Bryman, 2017; Ritzer, 2013). All these changes have encouraged
dining out and thus the emergence of chain restaurants offering fast food and minimal service.
In the context of the perpetuation of the phrase time is money (Ritzer, 2013), the idea of fast
food came as a saving solution - which allows the individual to serve the meal quickly to be able
to return to his activities. Starting from this argument, many times, the main advantages offered
by this type of food were mentioned in the marketing strategies of fast-food chains, and the first
of these is speed. Fast food is often marketed as a quick and convenient option for busy

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