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
