Good fat, bad fat — BC draws the line

B.C. tackles trans fat in food service establishments.

B.C.’s new trans fat regulation will come into effect Sept. 30, 2009, restricting industrially produced trans fat at food service establishments throughout the province, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport.

“B.C. is the first province in Canada to restrict trans fat in all prepared foods,” said Chong. “We want healthier food choices to be the easier choice. Consumers won’t see or taste the difference in the meal they’ve ordered, but with restrictions on industrially produced trans fat, they will be eating foods that have been prepared using healthier ingredients.” [Read more]

Farmers' markets — shop for your health and the environment

Press release –

Celebrate Canada Day with the best of B.C. agriculture.

VICTORIA – With the farmers’ market season in full swing, Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson is encouraging British Columbians to take advantage of the opportunity to buy fresh local products.

“Shopping at farmers’ markets is great for your health and the environment, and it supports farm families and the local economy,” said Thomson. “Canada Day is a perfect time to get out and sample the unique and diverse variety of agricultural products grown in B.C.” [Read more]

BC tackles obesity epidemic with trans fat ban

Don’t worry, the BC government is not banning body fat. It has just issued a press release (see link at bottom) announcing new regulations to ban trans fat in foods.

Since 2003 there has been a growing movement to eliminate these artificial fats from manufactured ‘foods. BC is not the only province to be pushing for elimination of trans fats.

It is said that there is a strong link between trans fat consumption and heart and stroke risks. Following a recent study there is also a growing belief that trans fat consumption causes fat to be displaced to the abdomen, even on a low-calorie diet. In turn, there is a well-known link between obesity and heart problems. [Read more]