FC NOW: The Fast Company Weblog
August 11, 2005
As a Matter of Fat
New York City's Health Department suggested that restaurants stop using trans fatty oils. They're believed to be very unhealthy, causing clogged arteries. The Dept. did not ban the ingredient outright, they only urged the eateries to move away from such oils.
I find this move strange. The harmful nature of trans-fatty oils have been known for years. It is a clear danger. Yet, the government doesn't eliminate it altogether. Certain pharmaceuticals are banned, and others are merely forced to carry warning labels. When is the more extreme action of removing something from stores warranted? The government doesn't allow car companies to use cheap parts with safety flaws. Why should they allow cheap oils with health risks?
It is a delicate situation: Once one thing is banned they might ban another and another. Then restaurants and food businesses, like markets or caterers, may have their wrists tied. Should the Government regulate food so closely? When do regulations begin limiting businesses unreasonably?
Posted by Kevin Ohannessian at August 11, 2005 9:58 AM | Category: healthcare + medicine |
3 Comments
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Kevin, I couldn't agree more with your concern about “when do regulations begin limiting businesses unreasonably?”
As I’m all about preserving our right to choose whatever we're eating, fat and all, if that floats your boat.
Hey, the next thing you know people who want to bring snacks to work that have trans fatty oils in them will be banished to the outside of the building along with the smokers.
But being a guy who knows a little about “all things fat”, there really isn't anything good that can be said for ingesting trans fatty oils. Yes, they’re great tasting and they’re more economical to cook with but they really are just plain bad for you.
So I don't think it would be bad to require some type of disclosure that trans fatty oils are being used at a restaurant.
I wouldn’t mind knowing, as knowing is still freedom, and I’ll taking “knowing” over “not knowing” any day.
Jay Jacobs
mypetfat.com
Nannyism run amuck.
Pullease. . . let us take care of ourselves. My mom did a good job raising me. I really don’t need someone to hold my hand.
I know, if it keeps people healthy then they are out of the healthcare "loop" and we don't have to pay to take care of them when they suffer the effects.
Sorry, that doesn't fly. Get rid of the healthcare "loop". Where is it written that the government has to take care of us? We have become a country of whiners re: government involvement. Get off -- if we are soooo concerned about our fellow man/woman/etc...then go help them, one on one, if need be. Start something in your community or if your favorite restaurant serves trans fatty then make it your least favorite. If you don’t know if they serve trans fatty then ask them, if they don't know tell 'em to call you when they find out and you'll come back. If this is a big enough deal to enough people and then it affects the bottom line, your favorite place will change. Or be gone. At least that way it’s based on real numbers, not someone’s spin.
Don't expect the government to do it for you, that aint their job, so quit delegating this stuff to them. If it was their job they'd find a way to screw it up anyway. If it is that freaking important, get off your butt and do something. Go one on one or organize.
But you need to keep the government’s and your nose out of my business.
> New York City's Health Department... only urged the eateries to move away from such oils.
We do not need any Government agency banning oils, sugars, or whatever.
What's needed is FULL Disclosure. That way I can choose to eat "healthy" and others can do what they want ... suffer the consequences.
Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, LOHAS Consumers are gaining strength and now represent a $200 Billion U.S. Market. Consumers, not government, will force companies to change their ways.
All we need is disclosure, then let the voting (with $$$) begin.
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Michael Davis
Editor, Byvation.com