You may think it's only your business what or where you eat but city governments are now making it their business, due to the number of deaths related to eating fast food which leads to obesity and other health related diseases. This article addresses how healthy zoning laws are fighting back against fast food, in an effort to stop us from eating ourselves to death.
*The Legal Standing Of Zoning Laws
These zoning laws, intended to protect the public from health and safety risks of any type, are no different from those, which require us to immunize our children or those that regulate food and drug, building codes and traffic laws.
There are many other reasons stated in the zoning laws such as preserving a city's tourist and historic areas and preventing high volume traffic in school and park areas, but the underlying reason is public safety.
*Formula Fast Food Restaurants
You'll be hearing more about formula foods and formula restaurants, in the news, as more and more government officials join the fight against fast food. A formula food is one that is prepared by a set combination of ingredients, cooking method, size and shape. A formula restaurant is one with standardized operating procedures, menus, food products, uniforms, decor, and building architecture.
The majority of formula foods are fast foods, which are high in fat, sugar and sodium and have led to an epidemic of obesity, which leads to the number one killer in this country: heart disease. For every penny we spend on fast food, we spend dozens more in health cost later on.
*The Leader In Zoning To Ban Fast Food
California has led the way in healthy zoning laws with the first ever in Carmel-by-the-Sea in the mid 80s, long before the general public was aware of the dangers of fast food. Their ban, which includes fast food, drive-in and formula food is very through. Other cities in California such as Calistoga, Arcata, Coronado and Pacific Grove followed suit, as did cities all over the nation, with zoning laws that fight fast food.
*What Exactly Is Banned
Each city has its own requirements for what does and doesn't constitute an allowable restaurant. The following are some of the reasons for banning, though the ultimate reason is unhealthy food.
Building too close to school or park.
Foods served primarily in plastic, paper and disposable containers.
Chain food establishments required to adopt standardized services.
Serving foods that can be easily taken from the store for consumption.
A building appearance that identifies it with a chain in other cities.
The area quota for formula restaurants is filled.
As the fight rages on between city government and the fast food industry, citizens are learning about the threat fast food poses for them and their children. Everyone loves a good juicy burger but the answer is in moderation, which doesn't fit American lifestyles. So, it's a good thing how healthy zoning laws are fighting back against fast food that is shortening our lives.