Why is that food processing and commerce are not strictly regulated by law so as to prevent health problems generated by an inadequate diet? Unhealthy products encourage an unhealthy diet, appealing
consumer by their availability within reach and invading advertising. If food producers are controlled by health officials, then it must be that regulations are too lax in as far as marketed foods are concerned.
Everyone knows that, for instance, hydrogenated oils and partially hydrogenated oils are highly unhealthy. Tons of studies and informative material have been published, yet there is a population segment that still falls into traps saying that margarine is a "healthier alternative for butter, full of vitamins", when in fact trans-fatty acids it contains surpass "healthy benefits" it offers. For this particular case, all foods containing hydrogentated oils (if law allows their production, though it shouldn't) should have a health hazard warning (like those on cigarette packs), saying something like "This product contains trans-fatty acids that increase risk of heart disease". Thus, people would be constantly reminded of bad effects of such products on health.
Generally, when it comes to foods and dieting, people should be advised of potential inconvenience that might occur due to some ingredients or way food is prepared.
Take for instance case of release of so many diets that are not documented, not officially controlled and approved, promissing great things but not being explicit about great problems they generate. Such as very popular Atkins, for instance, which is a real danger to health.
I wondered why such anti-health practices are not forbidden? Oh, pardon me! Why should I wonder? It's obvious: in an ever growing pragmatic course of events, industrial interests have overpassed interest for health of people.
At this point, role of well-informed consumer is decisive for his own health. And if people are not fully convinced by so many scientific studies, informative articles and materials, then they surely become when finding out of multitude of lawsuits against food producers (such as Kraft Foods Inc, producers of Oreo cookies), fast food chains (McDonald's) or promoters of diets (such as Atkins diet).
