THIS IS WHY NOTHING WORKS WELL IN GOVERNMENT Recent press release, edited: The Food and Drug Administration recently said it has made a preliminary determination that a major source of trans fats -- partially hydrogenated oils -- is no longer generally recognized as safe. If the FDAs decision is finalized, partially hydrogenated oils will become food additives that could no longer be used without approval. Without approval? WITHOUT APPROVAL?!? So some companies will find a way, a justification, a loophole, a work-around, while other companies, might not? Will there actually be an acceptable argument to the FDA for keeping the trans fats?!? This is a government habit that has failed us time and again - they set a law or regulation in motion, then allow for the loopholes. Here were going to tax this...except for you guys over here, you can file an exemption. Oh yes, and you guys over here can cheat and use a loophole. Were going to give out grants and subsidies and benefits to you over here...oh yeah, and you guys too, the ones who figured out you can take advantage of it...its not really for you, but go ahead, take advantage. Red dye #5? Caused cancer, its gone. Actual cocaine extract in the original Coca-Cola? Oops, yeah, bad idea, lets not do that anymore. An artificial fat that clogs arteries and is literally killing people? Yeah...no wait, my company thrives on that, and we have lobbyists in Washington, I dont think were going to stop doing that... Trans fat. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but now we know better. Will Popeyes breakfast hash browns have to be made with something else? Yes, but many companies are already doing this. Burger King has been cooking trans-fat free since 2008. If they can do it, I suspect other companies can. Will this cause economic difficulty for some companies? Yes, but thats not a good excuse to allow companies to knowingly deal in death, and thats where the exceptions, the loopholes, come into play and get abused. I believe in freedom of choice. I believe that if you want to eat your fat ass to death, that is your prerogative. But occasionally we as a society and as a scientific community figure things out, and they are true and undeniable. Trans fats had a good run, but now we know. Yes, I too was raised on Twinkies and Pop Tarts, but now I know better and I also dont want my heart to blow out of my chest. Some will complain that this isnt the true responsibility of government - too much regulation. The problem is, some companies suck and will do harmful things anyway, and with the mass of information, misinformation, and corporate hide and seek, the truth is pretty hard to come by. If the government can eliminate a basic danger, Im all for it. I can live with these changes, literally. Trust me, Twinkies and Pop Tarts and Popeyes hash browns will still be here, theyll figure it out. But good god, lets not allow any more loopholes.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 13:47:45 +0000
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