Phil Sokolof
Born(1921-12-15)December 15, 1921
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
DiedApril 15, 2004(2004-04-15) (aged 82)
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
OccupationBusinessman
Known forHeart disease crusader
SpouseRuth Rosinsky
Children2

Phil Sokolof (December 15, 1921 – April 15, 2004)[1] was a multi-millionaire businessman and campaigner against heart disease. In the 1980s and early 1990s, his fight for heart health targeted the restaurant chain McDonald's. He is credited with using his own assets to help spur notable changes.[2] The Los Angeles Times eulogized Sokolof saying, "In our big, complex bureaucratized society, there was indeed a case where one person made a difference, and where an idea had definite and beneficial consequences."

His research led him to believe that high-fat foods were the primary culprit behind cardiovascular disease, so in the 1980s he founded the National Heart Savers Association.[3]

Sokolof's efforts regarding the McDonald's menu ended the practice of cooking their French fries in beef tallow.[4] He also waged campaigns against the use of so-called "tropical" oils, such as coconut and palm oils, which were used to manufacture many cookies and crackers. According to the Los Angeles Times, Sokolof's campaign forced several manufacturers, including Ralston Purina, Borden, Pillsbury, Quaker Oats, Sunshine Biscuits, Pepperidge Farm, and Keebler to end their use of tropical oils in their products.

After those achievements, Sokolof's public profile was reduced, but he continued his struggle, primarily against fat in the diet. In 1995, Bryant Gumbel introduced him to debate the Today show as "America's No. 1 Cholesterol Fighter".[5] Sokolof took out ads decrying the popularity of 2% milk, arguing that it is not low-fat, and encouraged parents to only buy skim milk. In 1997, he urged Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods not to endorse McDonald's.[6] In 2002, Sokolof briefly returned to his full-page ad purchasing practice to discourage fellow Omaha native Warren Buffett from purchasing Burger King. [7][8]

Sokolof died on April 15, 2004, of heart failure[9] at the age of 82.[4]

References

  1. ↑ http://death-records.mooseroots.com/l/134805048/Phil-M-Sokolof
  2. ↑ McClellan, Dennis (April 16, 2004). "Phil Sokolof, 82; Used His Personal Fortune in Fight Against High-Fat Foods". The LA Times.
  3. ↑ "... And Phil Sokolof". Los Angeles Times. January 22, 1989. Archived from the original on 2014-11-16. Retrieved 2014-11-16.
  4. 1 2 McLellan, Dennis (April 16, 2004). "Phil Sokolof, 82; Used His Personal Fortune in Fight Against High-Fat Foods". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  5. ↑ Koenenn, Connie (May 4, 1995). "Attack of the Anti-Fat Man: Just Who Is Phil Sokolof and Why Is He Picking On Milk (and the Foods We Love to Eat)?". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2014-11-16. Retrieved 2014-11-16.
  6. ↑ "Articles about Phil Sokolof". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  7. ↑ Bedlan, Barry (November 27, 2002). "Ad Urges Buffett Not to Buy Burger King Chain". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  8. ↑ Charles, Dan (November 7, 2013). "FDA Moves To Phase Out Remaining Trans Fats In Food Supply". NPR.
  9. ↑ Saxon, Wolfgang (2004-04-17). "Phil Sokolof, 82, a Crusader Against Cholesterol, Is Dead". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
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