What do the 2012 Olympics, McDonald’s and Coke have in common?

Every 4 years, the best athletes in the world compete for the highly prized medals of the Olympic games. People from all over the world follow the games with great anticipation. This could be a great opportunity for the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to spread a message of healthier living! 

Ironically, two of the biggest sponsors of the games are McDonald’s (official restaurant of 2012 games) and Coke. Both have been criticized for playing a major role in fueling obesity and diabetes.  Eating fast food has also linked to depression. Together they produce some of the most unhealthy ‘food’ products on the globe.  

Phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola and Diet Coke has been shown to strip away your bones and tooth enamel.  Diet Coke, supposedly a ‘diet food’, in reality makes people eat more and adds to obesity.  In addition, there are food dyes and other chemical additives in Coke products that are known carcinogens.

McDonald’s has long been criticized for the high fat and sugar content in their food.  This is only the tip of the problem.  More recently, they’ve been criticized for including ‘pink slime’ in their products.  Pink slime is essential scrap meat that is soaked in ammonium hydroxide.   ‘Chicken’ McNuggets have a long list of ingredients including dimethylpolysiloxane (a type of silicone being phased out for use as breast implants due to safety concerns), and butylhydroquinone (derived from petroleum to ‘preserve freshness’).

On the other hand, this combined sponsorship is a big part of what funds the Olympic games and keeps it going.  McDonald has even tried to take things a step further and advertises ‘healthier alternatives’ to its meals including some fruit and vegetable choices. 

There is no clear-cut answer to this debate.  On the one hand, there is the concept of free enterprise.  On the other hand, there’s the argument that the IOC is ‘socially responsible’ to represent health and wellness.

I’d love to hear your feedback and comments.  What do you think?