I can understand the concern and need for trans fatty acid labelling on food packages, but I wonder how Mr Singh ascertained that trans fats were to blame for the deaths? Does he know something that nutritionists and epidemiologists don't?
Personally, I am not convinced that packaged and processed foods (baked confectionery, cereals, etc...) contribute that significantly to dietary risk factors in Singapore, given the greater penchant of the population for wholesome, traditional street foodcourt fare made with all natural ingredients such as lard, ghee and coconut milk. And folks here don't need nutritionists to tell them of the goodness of seafood – our regular portions of fish-head curry, chilli crab and bloody cockles are surely more than adequate in providing all the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids we need...
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From Straits Times Forum - April 10, 2006
Look into role of trans fat in sudden deaths
I REFER to press reports about sudden deaths of young people in Singapore, who included national servicemen and regular joggers. The reports carried an atmosphere of mystery.
It is time the authorities gave serious consideration to the role of trans fat consumption in these deaths.
It is universally accepted that partially hydrogenated oils contain trans fat which contributes significantly to premature heart problems, besides other health problems.
The Food and Drug Administration in the United States and food authorities in other countries have recognised the scientific truth and taken appropriate actions. Denmark has effectively banned partially hydrogenated oils as it has introduced criminal penalties, including jail terms, for violators.
In the US, in May 2003, Kraft was sued for the use of trans fat in its Oreo cookies eaten mainly by the young. The lawsuit was settled out of court and Kraft removed partially hydrogenated oil from its Oreo cookies. It started to use alternatives like palm fruit oil and sunflower oil.
The Bush administration has acknowledged that 'the food industry has an important role in decreasing trans-fatty-acid content of the food supply'.
Bear in mind, not everyone has the same level of body immunity. Some have achieved an optimal level while others struggle to bring their immunity to a comfort level. Hence, trans fat consumption may attack some suddenly, while in others, the damage may surface only after a longer period of trans fat consumption.
We all know cigarette smoking is a health hazard and we are warned of its danger via labelling requirements and health campaigns. It has also been proven that caffeine in tea and coffee is harmful to health, but there is no similar hazard warning on the packaging. Now, we face the trans fat monster, a killer in its own right.
Partially hydrogenated oil is found in most biscuits and cereals, but there is no special health warning. Some biscuits come in containers with no labelling at all. I have even seen, in supermarkets, biscuits in packaging that is labelled only in a foreign language.
It is crucial for our health and food authorities to acknowledge that trans fat is not a minor problem. It is a serious one and top priority must go to teaching school children and military personnel to avoid food like biscuits and cereals that contain trans fat. The authorities must also insist on full compliance with labelling requirements and health-hazard warnings.
Prem Singh
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