Should food companies not be prosecuted for pursuing ever bigger revenue regardless of effects on the health of the populace?

• WHENEVER an appetite for austerity emerges (as it seems to be at the moment) people cast around for scapegoats to be singled out for punishment or blame.

This week the obese (always a likely target) were identified in a headline about how they are twice as likely to be off work sick.

The implication is clear. It’s fat people’s fault. Don’t give them sick pay.

Of course, little reference is made to the food companies who add to their billions in profits by researching and using ingredients that actively encourage over-consumption.

Should they not be expected to shoulder part of the burden, or even be prosecuted for pursuing ever bigger revenue regardless of effects on the health of the populace?

Is it a mere coincidence that the stronghold of junk food – the USA – suffers the highest levels of obesity?

FW ANDERSON, NW3