Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services On Ruby Tuesday's Announcement Regarding Its "Smart Eating" Menu

Ruby Tuesday's program to provide customers with more nutrition information is a step in the right direction toward the goal of providing consumers with the information they need to make healthier choices in their diet. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. An estimated 64 percent of adults are overweight or obese, costing the nation more than $100 billion each year in medical costs and lost productivity. Reducing obesity is a critical element of this Administration's strategy for preventing many chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Our "Steps to a HealthierUS" initiative encourages Americans to make healthier choices about their diets and to stay active to reduce their risks for obesity and other chronic diseases. We look forward to working with Ruby Tuesday and hope this is only the first step in its effort to help Americans make healthier choices in their diet.

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Last Revised: November 14, 2003