Weight of the Nation

Maybe it's because it's summer and that's the season for picnics, barbeques, and cook-outs of all kinds.  Coming July 27th, the Centers for Disease Control is hosting its first ever conference dedicated to combating obesity in Americans.  And no wonder, each year the average American eats--

• 16 pounds of french fries
• 23 pounds of pizza
• 26 pounds of candy

Americans eat an estimated 20 billion hot dogs each year.  And Americans eat about 150 million hot dogs on the 4th of July alone (July is officially dubbed "National Hot Dog Month").  As a side note--In 2007, Joey Chestnut set the world record for hot dog eating by consuming 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes (Source: Nick magazine, July 2209, p.3)

Historians believe that the American hot dog is based on a common German sausage.  Nine percent of all hot dogs eaten in the U.S. are bought at a baseball park.

Maybe because of today's economy, more people are making their own lunch instead of going out at noon.  Not surprisingly, mustard sales are definitely up--as much as 6% at Frenchs--the largest manufacturer of American mustard.  (August 1st is National Mustard Day--celebrate accordingly). 

But it's partner, Heinz ketchup (or catsup), is doing even better--up 9% this year.  But mustard has a special place in history that trumps ketchup--Shakespeare wrote about it in his play, "The Taming of the Shrew."  (Grumio: "What say you to a piece of beef and mustard?"

Yet, as Americans consume more and talk about getting rid of flab, 15% of the world is going hungry and food prices in most developing countries are higher than they were a year ago.

Bon appetit!