Legal tip 169. Ban on trans fat in Spain
Friday, October 23, 2009 @ 12:38 PM
The bill on Food Safety and Nutrition prepared by the Spanish Agency for Food Security and Nutrition (AESAN) under the Ministry of Health and Social Policy, has set at 2% the maximum of trans fat that may contain food marketed in Spain. The objective of this measure is to prevent the rise in obesity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Spain is then becoming one of the first countries worldwide to reduce them after California and New York, which are not countries.... by the way :) having already banned them completely.
Two very civiliced partners in Europe: Austria and Denmark have also expressed their intention to limit its content ( whih makes me proud of my country) also at 2% - and therefore could provide the basis of general rules at the European Community level.
The bill is currently in a public hearing phase to address the recommendations and objections of those involved (consumers, food producers and autonomous regions). We, consumers are the higher voice in my opinion.... so say your word!
After this, it must be approved by the State Council and, after obtaining the approval of the Council of Ministers, would begin its parliamentary process with the objective that the Law can be passed "as soon as possible.
This initiative to curb trans fat is part of a series of actions undertaken by AESAN to improve the healthy diet of the Spanish, such as reducing the salt content in bread or promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among children.
And I wondered? Were not us famnous for our healthy mediterranean diet? Is this part of the loss of identity that Spain is suffering.
Luis, please... keep posting your low fat recipes here and save us!
Autumn light near Macaners, Cataluña, Spain by Ptorrodellas at Flickr.com