The Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has voted against the Food Amendment (Trans Fatty Acids Eradication) Bill 2008 in the NSW Parliament, stating that the Green Bill had ignored the advice of industry and health experts.

“The Christian Democratic Party does not support the Food Amendment (Trans Fatty Acids Eradication) Bill 2008, which is draconian. Its main purpose is to prohibit, two years after the commencement of the Act, the production and sale of foods in New South Wales containing artificially produced trans fats. I do not believe such a heavy-handed approach is required because of the ongoing efforts by the fast food industry, particularly in New South Wales, to respond to health concerns about trans fats. For example, the Australian quick-serve restaurant industry held a round table in 2007 to consider initiatives to reduce trans fat levels without increasing saturated fats. The round table—this shows the genuine concern of the fast-food industry—included the Baking Industry Association, the Coffee Club, Domino's Pizza, Eagle Boys Pizza, Hungry Jacks, KFC, Jesters Pies, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Red Rooster, Subway and many others”, said Rev Fred Nile.

“Sections of the food industry have already taken significant steps to reduce trans fat levels and to switch to healthier oils and fats. This reflects the general commitment within the food industry to further reduce trans fat levels. In addition, the Australian trans fats intake is very low by western standards. However, Food Standards Australia New Zealand is monitoring progress on further reducing trans fats intake. That body, which is the one we look to for expert advice, does not consider that regulation is necessary or justified at this time. In May 2007 Food Standards Australia New Zealand released the review of trans fatty acids in foods, which indicated that a regulatory approach was not justified.

The review found that only 0.6 per cent of fats come from trans fats, which is below the World Health Organization's recommended maximum of 1 per cent and well below the American intake level of 2.6 per cent. Obviously the Americans have greater problems in this area than we have in Australia generally and in New South Wales in particular. On this occasion we believe it is better to accept the official advice from the expert bodies. Also, if there is to be any regulation, it should be done at the national level. It would be almost impossible for one State to go it alone with regard to labelling food and so on. So we do not support the bill”, Rev Nile stated.
 

For Media Interviews contact: Rev Fred Nile (02) 9230 2478 or 0418 619 731
Research Assistant: David Copeland (02) 9230 2978

 Christian Democratic Party, GPO Box 141, Sydney NSW 2001.
Email: admin@cdp.org.au Web: www.cdp.org.au  Tel: 1300 667 975