The E. coli-in-spinach scare came at just the right time — the right time, that is, to put some perspective on the trans fatty acid scare.
The perspective is this: It’s pretty darned hard to go through life knowing exactly what’s going to hurt you and what isn’t. And, therefore, it’s fairly ridiculous for governments to try to micromanage what we consume.
If the point is to protect us against ourselves, good luck. Next thing you know, someone will be suing Popeye.
Meanwhile, the best we can do (statistically, anyway) is to follow common sense. Even at that, history teaches there is a high likelihood we’re all going to die someday.
Meanwhile, the best we can do (statistically, anyway) is to follow common sense. Even at that, history teaches there is a high likelihood we’re all going to die someday.
I know, that’s startling news to read on a peaceful Sunday morning.
In some ways, this is a difficult column to write. A decade or so ago I was defending my support of the nation’s first smoking bans in buildings, airports, etc., against people who assured me the government, if it won that fight, would soon come after the things we eat. And, well, here we are.
But if I have to admit that some supporters of smokers’ rights were correct, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to continue expanding bans on cigarettes in public places (as Salt Lake City currently is contemplating). Nor does it mean it’s wrong to draw the line somewhere, such as at the dinner table.
Simply put, we know beyond a reasonable doubt that some things are harmful, not just to the people who consume them but to people who are around the people who consume them. If the person in the seat next to me is eating an unusually tasty order of french fries, I’m not likely to get hurt no matter how much I inhale.
But if I’m gorging myself on fatty foods all the time, not exercising and gaining lots of weight — well, I shouldn’t need a bureaucrat to tell me I’m heading in the wrong direction.
This has become an issue in recent weeks, because the health commissioner in New York City, backed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has proposed a citywide ban on the use of trans fats in all restaurants. Chicago has at least looked at a similar ban, and other cities are likely to follow suit.
The New York mayor even brought Robert De Niro into the debate, noting the actor owns several restaurants that don’t use the fats.
Bloomberg stood right next to De Niro and admitted he loves oily popcorn, fries and other fatty foods but that he eats them without trans fats, which are made by a chemical process first developed in the 19th century to make certain oils last longer.
Does this mean he pigs out on this stuff using saturated fats? Frankly, that doesn’t sound too smart, either.
I’m no expert, but it seems there is conflicting scientific data on what trans fats can do. This much seems certain:
I’m no expert, but it seems there is conflicting scientific data on what trans fats can do. This much seems certain:
Trans fats add significantly to cholesterol levels and, subsequently, heart problems. But then, saturated fats can do the same if you eat tons of them all the time.
Common sense ought to dictate that people eat more fruits and vegetables and get plenty of exercise. But you can’t legislate that. At least, you shouldn’t.
Meanwhile, if government begins outlawing trans fats, it needs to look seriously at all the other potentially harmful ingredients in things we eat. There’s no end in sight once you embark on that road.
And, as with DDT, cyclamates and other substances thought to be horribly unsafe, further research may produce different results.
Why not simply rely on a good dose of education and some faith in the market, which seemed to work well in alerting people about the problems with spinach and lettuce? Require labels on foods that contain trans fats, if you must, including at restaurants.
The market already gives us no-caffeine Coke, and a growing number of products have “no-trans fats” labels. We should be allowed to make our own choices, and pay the consequences either way.
Originally written By: Jay Evensen
Deseret Morning News
