- Ministers were poised to ban dangerous fats known to trigger ill health
- But plans to eliminate artificial trans-fats from processed food scrapped
- Comes amid fury from campaigners over the childhood obesity strategy
- Ban of trans-fats could save some 7,200 lives in England over five years
Ben Spencer, Medical Correspondent For The Daily Mail
55
View
comments
Ministers were poised to issue a complete ban on dangerous fats known to trigger ill health before yesterday’s childhood obesity strategy was watered down.
Amid fury from campaigners over the document’s lack of action on sugar, it also emerged that plans to eliminate trans-fats had been scrapped.
The Government was set to ban the artificial fats – known to substantially increase the risk of heart disease and death – from processed food and cooking oil, according to extracts seen by the Daily Mail.
Ministers were poised to issue a complete ban on dangerous fats known to trigger ill health before yesterday’s childhood obesity strategy was watered down
But by the time the much-criticised strategy was published yesterday, all mention of the proposals had been removed.
Scientists say that banning trans-fats – which are made from partially-hydrogenated plant oils – could save 7,200 lives in England over five years.
-
Low-fat diets and exercise are pointless and misleading -…
Jamie Oliver’s outrage over ‘watered down’ child obesity…
-
Health chiefs’ fury as tougher rules on junk food are axed:…
Experts last night described the U-turn as a ‘national scandal’ which will put lives at risk.
Theresa May had already come in for fierce criticism over the strategy, with medical leaders furious that she abandoned plans to clamp down on junk food advertising.
There was even unease on the Conservative backbenches last night, with former health minister Dr Dan Poulter describing the plan as ‘worrying’, and Dr Sarah Wollaston, chairman of the health select committee, accusing her party’s leader of ‘putting the interests of the advertising industry ahead of the interests of children’.
The Government was set to ban the artificial fats – known to substantially increase the risk of heart disease and death – from processed food and cooking oil (file image)
Last night experts described the revelation that a ban on trans-fats had been scrapped as a new low.
The fats – which can improve the taste, texture and shelf-life of processed foods – are used by some manufacturers in margarine, sweets, biscuits and cooking oil.
But experts have long warned that they can raise the risk of serious health problems and they are to be banned in the US by 2018. The Daily Mail has been campaigning for more than a decade to highlight the threat of trans-fats. As a result, firms including Mars, McVities, Kellogg’s and McDonald’s have changed their recipes.
NOW JAMIE BLASTS JUNK FOOD STRATEGY
In shock: Jamie Oliver over the strategy
Jamie Oliver said he was ‘in shock’ yesterday after the Government’s ‘underwhelming’ childhood obesity strategy was published.
The celebrity chef has campaigned for a stronger healthy eating policy for years.
But he said the plan relied too much on voluntary action from food companies.
Writing on his Facebook page, he said: ‘So much is missing.
‘It was set to be one of the most important health initiatives of our time, but look at the words used – “should, might, we encourage” – too much of it is voluntary, suggestive. Where are the mandatory points?
‘Where are the actions on irresponsible advertising targeted at our children, and the restrictions on junk food promotions?
‘The sugary drinks tax seems to be the only clear part of this strategy, and with funds going directly to schools that’s great, but in isolation it’s not enough.
‘With this disappointing and, frankly, underwhelming strategy, the health of our future generations remains at stake. I sincerely hope the Government’s promise to “take further action where it is needed” is true.’
An Oxford University-led study published in the British Medical Journal last year said a total ban was ‘feasible’ and simply required ‘decisive action’. Scientists calculated that restricting use of the fats in restaurants would save 1,800 lives between 2015 and 2020 by reducing the number of heart attacks and strokes. An all-out ban would save 7,200 lives over the five years, the study said.
The leaked version of the obesity strategy – which is undated – said: ‘We believe the time has come to simply remove harmful trans-fats from the food we eat and we will legislate to do this in England from the end of 2017. We will eliminate this ingredient from food sold, and ensure it is no longer available on the market to be used in cooking.’ But the final plan focuses mainly on improving school sports and contains no mention of the ban.
Professor Parveen Kumar, of the British Medical Association, said last night: ‘It is deeply disappointing that the Government has excluded plans to ban trans-fats from its obesity strategy.
‘In doing so they have failed to address the risks of consuming a diet high in trans-fats that can lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood, which can cause health conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. This decision will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on the health of our young people for years to come.’
Speculation of a rift within government was growing last night, heightened by the decision to release the document in the middle of the Commons’ recess while both Mrs May and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt were out of the country. Instead it was left to Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jane Ellison, who helped draw up the strategy in her previous role as public health minister, to do interviews.
She insisted the Government had adopted the most effective measures recommended by experts.
A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘We are absolutely committed to reducing childhood obesity and have put together a strong package that will have a positive impact on children in this country.’
Share or comment on this article
-
e-mail
Most watched News videos
-
Allyson Felix drops baton after being bumped in 4x100m relay -
Lochte and teammates ‘try to flee after trashing bathroom’ -
Dan Walker’s awkward reaction to couple having ‘sex’ on Rio beach -
Prosecutors: Dentist kills Oklahoma baby in surveillance video -
Shocking racist diatribe by bikini-clad woman caught on camera -
Is that Big Foot? Dog’s GoPro camera appears to record sasquatch -
Heartbreaking video of Syrian child Omran injured in air strike -
Here is how USA’s synchronized swimmers train for their routines -
Russia Synchronized Swimmers take lead in technical routines -
US swimmers jeered leaving Rio cop station after questioning -
French race walker Yohann Diniz struggles during event -
Man has thumb ripped off while handling alligator at park
-
Police ‘bust Malia Obama at wild Martha’s Vineyard’ party:…
-
Ryan Lochte’s shame-faced sidekicks jet out of Rio: Conger…
-
Why so shy? Trump blasts M-4 rifle at targets before meeting…
-
How to cope with ‘white fragility’: Academic sells out her…
-
U.S. women’s 4×100 relay team beat the clock after winning…
-
Shocking video shows Tulsa dentist gripping limp child in…
-
Indict them! Brazilian police call on Lochte and Feigen to…
-
EXCLUSIVE: ‘S*** happens’: What Hollywood director told…
-
Teen girl found dead behind Atlanta grocery store was nude,…
-
Brady Bunch actress Eve Plumb sells the $3.9m Malibu home…
-
Medal for determination! Brave French athlete suffers a VERY…
-
Son laid out his mother’s body after drowning her in the…
Comments (55)
Share what you think
-
Newest -
Oldest -
Best rated -
Worst rated
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Find out now