THE absence of a global ban on artificial trans fats in food is a looming health scandal.
Scientists have known about the for a quarter of a century, yet millions of people worldwide still consume dangerously high levels.
Found in some cakes, biscuits, margarines, pastries, fried and fast foods, they are a cheap and tasty ingredient but offer no nutritional advantage over other fats. On the contrary, they raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. 午夜福利1000集合ier alternatives can take their place, although they tend to cost more.
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Denmark led the way with a . More than 20 nations followed suit, but others, including the US, Australia and Canada, provided the labelling is clear. This only protects those who take the time to figure out food labels and doesn鈥檛 cover non-packaged foods like restaurant meals.
Other countries have relied on the food industry to act voluntarily. This has worked surprisingly well in and the , but .
鈥淭he complete elimination of artificial trans fats from the food supply would save millions of lives鈥�
The US has now decided on a total ban by 2018, a move that will every year. The . Momentum is growing for global legislation, and even .
The complete elimination of trans fats , save on health spending, reduce global health inequalities, and expedite investment in healthier alternative oils, creating economies of scale that drive down their cost.
The World 午夜福利1000集合 Organization is the best bet for brokering a ban. It should escalate the matter at its , China, in November.
Researchers are already calling for a global ban. Individual nations could simply incorporate such a ban into domestic law, a model that .
Continued inaction is now an embarrassment: we are allowing industry cost considerations to trump lives. Denmark shouldn鈥檛 be the only place where the Danish pastries are safe to eat.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淥nly a ban will do鈥�
