Olestra: The Crappiest Flop of All with Kevin James Thornton | 38
Digest
This episode of The Big Flop dives into the story of Olesstra, a zero-calorie fat substitute developed by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in the 1960s. Initially intended for premature infants, Olesstra was later marketed as a revolutionary weight-loss solution for snack foods. Despite spending millions on research and development, and facing intense scrutiny from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), P&G managed to get Olesstra approved by the FDA in 1996. However, the product was plagued by side effects, including severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea, leading to widespread consumer complaints and negative media attention. The product's launch was also hampered by the fact that consumers disliked the taste and texture of Olesstra-infused snacks. Despite initial success, sales plummeted, and P&G ultimately abandoned the product in 2003. The episode highlights the dangers of prioritizing profit over consumer safety and the importance of thorough testing before releasing new products to the market.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of the episode, Olesstra, a zero-calorie fat substitute that was marketed as a revolutionary weight-loss solution for snack foods. The episode also introduces the host, Misha Brown, and the guest, Kevin James Thornton, a comedian.
The Origins of Olesstra
This Chapter delves into the origins of Olesstra, tracing its development from a lab in Cincinnati to its eventual launch as a consumer product. The chapter discusses the initial research and development process, the challenges faced by P&G, and the eventual approval of Olesstra by the FDA.
The Marketing of Olesstra
This Chapter explores the marketing campaign for Olesstra, highlighting the company's efforts to promote the product as a healthy alternative to traditional snack foods. The chapter also discusses the negative media attention that Olesstra received due to its side effects and the public's perception of the product.
The Downfall of Olesstra
This Chapter examines the reasons behind the downfall of Olesstra, including the product's negative side effects, the public's aversion to its taste and texture, and the changing dietary trends of the late 1990s. The chapter also discusses the role of the FDA and the CSPI in the product's demise.
Lessons Learned from Olesstra
This Chapter reflects on the lessons learned from the Olesstra debacle, emphasizing the importance of consumer safety, thorough testing, and responsible marketing practices. The chapter also discusses the legacy of Olesstra and its eventual repurposing as an eco-friendly paint and industrial lubricant.
Keywords
Olesstra
Olesstra was a zero-calorie fat substitute developed by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in the 1960s. It was initially intended for premature infants but was later marketed as a revolutionary weight-loss solution for snack foods. Olesstra was approved by the FDA in 1996 but was plagued by side effects, including severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea, leading to widespread consumer complaints and negative media attention. The product was ultimately abandoned by P&G in 2003.
Procter & Gamble (P&G)
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is a multinational conglomerate known for its household goods, including Crest toothpaste, Tide detergent, and Pampers diapers. P&G developed Olesstra, a zero-calorie fat substitute, in the 1960s. The company spent millions on research and development and faced intense scrutiny from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) before eventually getting Olesstra approved by the FDA in 1996. However, the product was plagued by side effects, leading to its eventual abandonment in 2003.
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a consumer advocacy group that fights to spread nutritional knowledge to the public. CSPI is known for its work on food labeling, menu calorie counters, and advocating for healthier food options. CSPI played a significant role in opposing the approval of Olesstra, a zero-calorie fat substitute, by the FDA in the 1990s.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA played a key role in the approval and eventual oversight of Olesstra, a zero-calorie fat substitute, in the 1990s.
Anal Leakage
Anal leakage, also known as fecal incontinence, is the involuntary loss of bowel control. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, injuries, and certain medications. In the context of the Olesstra story, anal leakage was a common side effect reported by consumers who consumed products containing the fat substitute. The term became synonymous with Olesstra and was widely used in media coverage of the product's failure.
Q&A
What was Olesstra and why did it fail?
Olesstra was a zero-calorie fat substitute developed by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in the 1960s. It was marketed as a revolutionary weight-loss solution for snack foods, but it was plagued by side effects, including severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Consumers also disliked the taste and texture of Olesstra-infused snacks. The product was ultimately abandoned by P&G in 2003.
What role did the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) play in the Olesstra story?
The CSPI is a consumer advocacy group that fights to spread nutritional knowledge to the public. They were highly critical of Olesstra, arguing that it was not safe for human consumption. They lobbied against the FDA's approval of the product and played a significant role in its eventual demise.
What lessons can be learned from the Olesstra debacle?
The Olesstra story highlights the importance of consumer safety, thorough testing, and responsible marketing practices. It also demonstrates the dangers of prioritizing profit over consumer well-being. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for companies developing and marketing new products.
What happened to Olesstra after it was discontinued as a food product?
Olesstra was eventually repurposed as an eco-friendly paint and industrial lubricant. This unexpected pivot highlights the potential for even failed products to find new applications.
Show Notes
After 30 years of development, Procter & Gamble rolled out a new, calorie-free oil substitute with the luxurious name, Olestra. This “miracle food” was supposed to revolutionize junk food and allow snackers to eat all the chips and crackers they could cram down their gullets without gaining any weight. Unfortunately for Procter & Gamble, Olestra did not help them meet their bottom line. Did customers have trouble swallowing this new and innovative product? Or did they just not like having "anal leakage"?!
Kevin James Thornton (American Queer, This Ends in Paris) joins Misha to share his gut reactions on Olestra's fallout.
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