Whereas there is every reason why the US should allow the fast-food industry to subsist, there is equally every reason why this industry should not be allowed to exist, or in any event, if it is allowed, it deserves regulation.
First and foremost one needs not underestimate the importance of the fast-food industry in the US. Fast-food employees are the largest group of low-paid workers in the United States today. It is filled by people who are generally young and unskilled thus offering fast employment to the majority of Americans. In essence, the turnover rate for this industry is among the highest in the American economy. Whereas other industries are known to be downsizing their workforce, this industry has continuously been offering millions of employment to the American citizenry.
Moreover, it’s not difficult to get a fast and cheap meal these days. Since there is a fast-food restaurant in every corner of the country. This is due to the fact that most fast-food restaurants are conveniently placed thus saving time and costs for its clientele. They are convenient in that a customer can even order and pick up food from their cars. They are designed to be eaten ‘on the go’, as more often than not, they require they require no traditional cutlery, and are normally taken as finger food.
Some of the pros of this industry are outshined by their counter effects. For instance, we have seen that the industry is a source of employment to millions of Americans, but who constitutes this workforce? It is not surprising to find that most of the workforce of this industry is composed of an unskilled workforce including teenagers. Long-term effects of this industry would see the country submerging into economic disparities brought about by the lack of an educated and qualified workforce for other industries as a result of early teenage employment in this sector. Thus whereas the sector is appreciated for creating employment, nevertheless it should be castigated for offering the same to the wrong subjects.
Secondly, the food obtained via these fast-food restaurants has been known to have serious repercussions on the health of the entire American people. From various studies, it is evident that these foods’ caloric content, trans-fats, and portion sizes are questionable. As such they have been confirmed to cause obesity, heart disease, and diabetes among others. Trans-fats which are commonly found in fast food have been shown in many tests to have a negative health effect on the body. Fast food consumption also increases calorie intake, promotes weight gain, and elevates the risk for diabetes. Thus this is potentially harmful to the well-being of Americans.
On the other after consuming these foods which are mostly wrapped in non-biodegradable bags, are disposed into the environment posing greatly potential harm to the environment. If ingested by animals it culminates into serious health problems. Some food such as Hamburgers (a product of cows), releases methane into the atmosphere that contributes to the greenhouse effect.
In conclusion, whereas this sector has some pros, however, its cons outweigh them, and as such if the fast-food industry is to be left to exist it should be regulated. Its regulation will see that the health standards are met to tackle the issue of health hazards posed by it. Regulating the industry will also lead to decreased levels of pollution, consequently evading the devastating effects of uncontrolled environmental pollution. It will also ensure that the workforce employed in this sector meets any set down requirements to avoid any teenage employment as well as unqualified and unskilled personnel.