08-04-2008, 12:35 AM
Push to ban dangerous trans fats
THE South Australian Government will push for a national ban or tougher controls on the use of trans fats in foods.
The Government will use the next meeting of national food and health ministers in October to push for tougher regulations controlling the use of trans fats which have been linked to heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
Most trans fats consumed today are created by the hydrogenation of plant oils, a process that adds hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats to render them more saturated, making them attractive for baking and extending their shelf life.
"These really dangerous fats are in everyday foods that people eat and particularly in junk and processed foods," said SA Premier Mike Rann.
"Trans fats offer no nutritional value whatsoever and indeed are linked to serious health issues."
Mr Rann said the state government also wanted restaurants and food manufacturers to label their menus and products to allow consumers to know exactly what they were eating.
He said the Government was about to start working with other states on a national survey to determine how much trans fats were in common foods.
"We believe the time to act on trans fats is now," Mr Rann said.
"We need to regulate these fats and protect Australians."
News.com.au
THE South Australian Government will push for a national ban or tougher controls on the use of trans fats in foods.
The Government will use the next meeting of national food and health ministers in October to push for tougher regulations controlling the use of trans fats which have been linked to heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
Most trans fats consumed today are created by the hydrogenation of plant oils, a process that adds hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats to render them more saturated, making them attractive for baking and extending their shelf life.
"These really dangerous fats are in everyday foods that people eat and particularly in junk and processed foods," said SA Premier Mike Rann.
"Trans fats offer no nutritional value whatsoever and indeed are linked to serious health issues."
Mr Rann said the state government also wanted restaurants and food manufacturers to label their menus and products to allow consumers to know exactly what they were eating.
He said the Government was about to start working with other states on a national survey to determine how much trans fats were in common foods.
"We believe the time to act on trans fats is now," Mr Rann said.
"We need to regulate these fats and protect Australians."
News.com.au