September 28, 2006 6:37 AM

Isn't this what government SHOULD be doing?

N.Y. twists restaurants’ arms to limit trans fat: City proposal for a near ban follows a failed voluntary effort

“Trans fat causes heart disease. Like lead in paint, artificial trans fat in food is invisible and dangerous, and it can be replaced,” Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden said in a statement….”While it may take some effort, restaurants can replace trans fat without changing the taste or cost of food. No one will miss it when it’s gone.”

Over the last couple of days, I’ve made a lot of noise about supporting smoking bans in public spaces. It’s a good idea, and these efforts should be strengthened. After all, protecting public health is and should be a primary role of government. I also think that New York City’s proposed ban on trans fats is a good thing, but even I have to wonder if we’re not headed down a slippery slope here. So where does this crazy train stop…or does it?

Banning smoking in public spaces makes sense for the simple reason that second-hand smoke doesn’t respect boundaries. Since it’s beginning to be widely recognized as a significant health threat, banning smoking in public spaces as a way to reduce second-hand smoke is a sensible way to reduce the risk it poses to nonsmokers.

Trans fats, though, present, a whole different set of issues. In the case of trans fats, while there is no second-hand exposure issue, consumers often don’t know (or care) that they are ingesting trans fats. SInce restaurant foods don’t come with an ingredient list, there is no way for a consumer to know if trans fats are on the menu. Given the acknowledged and significant risks to heart health posed by trans fats, it makes sense to look for alternatives.

While I agree with the goal of the proposed ban, I can’t help but wonder about the enforcement effort behind it. Not only that, if trans fats are made illegal, then what will be next? Where DO we draw the line? I wish I had an answer to that question.

Where some will see the creeping influence of the “nanny state”, I see a good idea that has the distinct and very real potential of ballooning into something completely out of control. Today, trans fats. Tomorrow…white flour and refined sugar? Yes, government does have a responsibility to protect public health…but to what extent? I’m not necessarily into logical extremes, but could we one day have anything we want, as long as it’s oatmeal, broccoli, and whole-grain bread? Stay tuned….

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on September 28, 2006 6:37 AM.

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