Lessons On Salt For Dietitians ... By A Chip Maker

HOUSTON (AP) — Snack and soda makers that often are blamed for fueling the nation's obesity rates also play a role in educating the dietitians who advise Americans on healthy eating. [...] the food industry hosts several workshops at the annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, where thousands of dietitians can earn education credits to maintain their licenses. With two-thirds of Americans considered overweight or obese, the makers of processed foods have shouldered much of the blame for aggressively marketing sugary and salty products. Not to mention that companies often collect the contact information of dietitians to mail them samples or coupons, in some cases to share with their patients. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration issued guidance intended to address concerns regarding the role of drugmakers in continuing medical education for doctors. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a professional group that's based in Chicago and has more than 75,000 members, governs the path to becoming a registered dietitian and oversees the accreditation for continuing education providers. After earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition, completing an internship program and taking an exam, they must earn 75 credits of continuing education every five years. General Mills, which makes Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Yoplait yogurt, Pillsbury dough and Progresso soup, has been an education provider through its Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition for at least 15 years. Bill Dietz, a former director of the division of nutrition and physical activity at the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, notes that an online class by Coke entitled "Understanding Dietary Sugars and Health" was taught by instructors who both had industry ties. At one point, one instructor says he doesn't think there should be dietary guidelines regarding sugar intake; Dietz notes that viewpoint is in contrast to the positions held by many reputable groups, including the American Heart Association, which recommends women consume no more than 6 teaspoons daily and men consume no more than 9 teaspoons daily. Coca-Cola, which makes drinks including Dasani water and Minute Maid juice, offers about a dozen seminars each year through its Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness. Elizabeth Lee, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles and one of the founders of Dietitians for Professional Integrity, noted that the classes typically have a message that supports the company's products. Candace Mueller Medina, a spokeswoman for the company's Quaker division, which makes a variety of products including oatmeal packets, bars and breakfast cookies, said the center's "first goal is to educate key opinion makers and influencers."