Americans Think They Should Be Allowed to Buy Foods with Trans Fats and Caffeinated Energy Drinks

CNN
reports that trans fat intake among American consumers has
decreased from 4.6 grams per day in 2003 to about 1 gram per day in
2012. Moreover, the Grocery Manufacturers Associations has stated
“Since 2005, food manufacturers have voluntarily lowered the
amounts of trans fats in their food products by over 73%.” Despite
voluntary action to reduce trans fat intake, the FDA still thinks
government intervention is needed.

However,
latest Reason-Rupe poll finds 71 percent of Americans think the
government should allow people to buy foods with trans fats, if
they so choose. Less than a quarter, 24 percent, believe the
government should prohibit people from buying these types of
foods.

Independents who lean Republican are the most likely to say
trans fats should be allowed (82 percent) compared to 66 percent of
Democrats. Nevertheless, majorities of all political groups favor
allowing trans fats, also including 67 percent of non-partisan
independents, 76 percent of regular Republicans and 68 percent of
independents who lean Democratic.

Reason-Rupe finds public opinion is similar on the sale of
caffeinated energy drinks. Seventy-six percent of Americans say the
government should allow people to purchase so-called energy drinks
that also contain caffeine, while 21 percent want government to
prohibit people from buying them.

Additionally, the February 2013
Reason-Rupe poll found that 71 percent of Americans think the
sale of soft drinks larger than 16 ounces in theaters, restaurants,
and other venues should be allowed. This survey also asked whether
caffeinated energy drinks should be allowed, but prefaced the
question with a statement about purported concerns over the drinks’
safety. In this instance, 59 percent of respondents said that
caffeinated energy drinks should be allowed, while 26 percent
disagreed.

Nationwide telephone poll conducted Dec 4-8 2013 interviewed
1011 adults on both mobile (506) and landline (505) phones, with a
margin of error +/- 3.7%. Princeton Survey Research Associates
International executed the nationwide Reason-Rupe survey. Columns
may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Full poll results,
detailed tables, and methodology found here. Sign
up for notifications of new releases of the Reason-Rupe
poll here.