Criticisms and Issues: Health

In addition to controversies such as those over culture and authenticity and sustainability, another important issue is the effect of the globalization of American food—especially fast food—on health and well-being around the world. Research is indicating that the chronic diseases of the richer countries are now increasing in developing nations. These include diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory ailments. Although the increasing prevalence of such chronic illnesses cannot be decisively linked to the globalization of American food, it is suggestive that in areas where such food is widely available, such as China and India, the rise of such diseases is marked. For example, the rates of diabetes incidence in China and India are now similar to those in the United States. Majid Ezzati of Harvard University, quoted in Minkel, suggests that the rise of chronic diseases in India, South Asia more generally, and poorer parts of Latin America are due to what he calls the “withering trinity of cheap high-calorie food, tobacco and alcohol” (2006, p. 1). It is clear that the possible health effects of the diaspora of American fast food ought to be monitored carefully.