Food should be regulated like tobacco, say campaigners

BBC News ^ | May 18, 2014 | By Pippa Stephens

[Oldeconomybuyer]

The food industry should be regulated like the tobacco industry as obesity poses a greater global health risk than cigarettes, say international groups.

Consumers International and the World Obesity Federation are calling for the adoption of more stringent rules.

These could include pictures on food packaging of damage caused by obesity, similar to those on cigarette packets.

The new rules could include reducing the levels of salt, saturated fat and sugar in food, improving food served in hospitals and schools, imposing stricter advertising controls, and educating the public about healthy eating.

Artificial trans-fats should be removed from all food and drink products within five years, said the recommendations.

Advertising to children, during television programmes such as the X-Factor, must be restricted, said the organisations.

Governments could review food prices, introduce taxes, change licensing controls and start new research to make this happen, the report said.

Luke Upchurch at Consumers International said they were asking for the "same level of global treaty" as the tobacco industry faced.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I have, plus add no cholesterol,

No, you have not.

Sodium is required for life.

No sodium, you are dead.

Your "trace amounts" are far more then you think.

[bgill]

Just think, banning pop tarts would be a two for one - junk food AND guns!

[cyn]

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