Day 123 - 09 May 95 - Page 42


     
     1        information in that.
     2
     3   Q.   We have heard in this case from Professor Wheelock,
     4        McDonald's nutritional consultant in the UK.   You have
     5        heard of him, have you not?
     6        A.  Yes, I have heard of the name, yes.
     7
     8   Q.   Have you an equivalent person in America?
     9        A.  I think there are probably a number of people that we
    10        consult with from time to time on products.  As I have
    11        indicated, there are independent companies, laboratories,
    12        that will conduct tests for us as well as our own staff of
    13        folks.
    14
    15   Q.   I think it was not so much the actual testing or analysis,
    16        it was more the overall advice about the menu.
    17        A.  We do get input and advice from some of our
    18        nutritionists that are on our staff, as well as from
    19        professionals that are employed by the independent
    20        laboratories or outside organisations.  From time to time,
    21        I would say that we receive information from outside
    22        organisations like the American Heart Association.
    23
    24   Q.   McDonald's has had criticism on the nutritional content of
    25        its food; is that correct?
    26        A.  Yes, I have heard some criticism.
    27
    28   Q.   You were surprised when I said about links between dietary
    29        patterns that are developing in the developing world, or
    30        countries not used to the western diet, and links between
    31        that and ill-health, earlier on.
    32
    33   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  He did not say he was surprised, he said he
    34        did not think it was a fair conclusion that dietary changes
    35        were having an effect on the health of a country or
    36        countries which do not have a western dietary tradition.
    37
    38   MR. MORRIS:  But you are aware, are you not, that dietary
    39        changes in our own western countries are having an effect
    40        on the health of the population?
    41        A.  I would not necessarily come to that conclusion.
    42
    43   MR. RAMPTON:  Mr. Morris, my Lord, is speaking as though this
    44        were common ground.  Of course it is not.  He ought to be
    45        cautious about that.
    46
    47   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It is difficult.  The problem arises when you
    48        start a question:  "Are you aware that".  Before you get to
    49        any matter of an awareness you have not asked Mr. Beavers
    50        whether he accepts that. 
    51 
    52   MR. MORRIS:  Do you accept that, that dietary changes and 
    53        developments in western societies are having an effect on
    54        the health of the population?
    55        A.  I am aware that lack of moderation has had some impact
    56        on the overall health in western countries -- lack of
    57        moderation with consumption of different foods.
    58
    59   Q.   Let me read something to you and see if you have any
    60        problem with it, OK:  "There is a considerable amount of

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