Calls for EU to fight obesity

Date published: 29/09/2008

Euro MPs are calling for the introduction of measures to ban artificial trans-fatty acids and to revise food labelling laws in order to combat obesity.

There are increasing links between trans fats and serious health conditions, including infertility in women and raised chances of heart disease. Trans fats are commonly found in baked goods, fried and snack foods.

Consumer Protection Chairman, Arlene McCarthy MEP said: "Denmark banned artificial trans fats in 2003. It is time for EU-wide measures to keep these dangerous fats out of our food. I would like to invite people to sign my online petition to ban trans fats."

The petition is online at www.arlenemccarthy.labour.co.uk.

In addition to a ban on trans fats, MEPs are calling for a revision of the current food labelling rules to include mandatory front-of-pack nutritional labelling using colour coding.

Ms McCarthy added: "Several UK supermarkets including Sainsburys and Asda have already successfully introduced colour-coded nutritional labelling. EU-wide requirements will ensure that people can make informed choices about the food they buy."