health issues

Are you trans fat aware?

Trans fatty acids (also known as hydrogenated fats) are toxic fats that sneak&often unlabelled&into our food supply in surprisingly high amounts. The average Canadian ingests an estimated eight to 10 grams of trans fats daily.

These man-made fats are implicated in heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. When vegetable oil is raised to high temperatures, such as during frying or deep-frying, its molecular structure changes, resulting in the production of trans fats. Walter Willett, a leading researcher at Harvard University, says trans fats are linked to an estimated 33,000 deaths in North America each year.

Regulations improving trans fats labelling by food companies won't go into effect until 2006. Until then, a little awareness can go a long way. Common fat offenders include fast and processed foods and even restaurant fare, according to independent tests conducted last December.

Fries, hash browns, battered fish products, egg rolls, margarine, cookies, cakes, frozen baked goods, and microwave popcorn all make the trans fat list. In contrast, fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts are trans fat free.

Trans fats checklist

Food Source Trans fat (in grams)

Onion rings A&W 6
French fries Burger King 6
Chicken pot pie Swiss Chalet 5
French fries Wendy's 4
Five chicken nuggets Kentucky Fried Chicken 4
Apple Danish Tim Horton's 3

Source: The Globe & Mail and CTV.

Victory in GE wheat debate

Monsanto, the world leader in biotechnology, has pulled its plans to introduce their GE wheat into the Canadian market. Monsanto claims commercial reasons led to their decision. In December 2002, Monsanto submitted an application to the Canadian government for the release of their herb-resistant GE Roundup Ready wheat. Since that time, people representing a variety of sectors including consumers, foreign buyers, producers, and civil and environmental groups have strongly voiced their opposition to this proposal.

While Canadians across the country claim victory, organizations such as the Council of Canadians warn the battle to keep GE crops and products out of Canada is not over. Still, this is one step in the right direction. To voice your opinion on GE foods, send a fax or letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin.