Come On Calgary!

So, I realize that I've been blogging a lot about trans-fats lately but it's such a hot topic I can't resist! Following my blog earlier this week about the good news from BC, I read this morning that on Wednesday health officials revealed that Calgary's ban on trans fats is no more! Calgary's city-wide regulations on the use of trans fats in restaurants, which took effect only 1 year ago have disappeared following the amalgamation of the former Calgary Health Region with other Alberta health authorities into a single provincial 'superboard'.

But health inspectors revealed this week that the regulations ceased being enforced at the end of December, several months after the board dissolved. "We don't have anything we can enforce" the Calgary director of health protection stated. Calgary's ban on trans-fats marked a triumph for Alberta residents by becoming the first Canadian city to enforce regulations on the use of trans-fats in restaurants. And that's not the only loss as Calgary Health Region's board had also envisioned a second phase of the ban to come in effect in July 2009, limiting trans-fat content of ALL food items sold in Calgary, not just restaurants.
What a clear example of making 1 step forward, and taking 2 steps back! It's gone to the wayside now leaving its followers with similar initiatives to face the battle with greater doubts. Could similar amalgamations in other cities force them to abandon as well? And while it is true that some restaurants will continue to use trans-fat free products voluntarily even without a board enforcing that they do so, others will likely revert back to the old ways using the cheaper oils that contain trans-fats.

The article points to something I've emphasized before. The issue of banning trans fats is exceptionally important and needs to be positioned as a national strategy to be successful. "This has to be a national comprehensive solution that includes the entire food chain" says the vice-president of The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association for Western Canada. Department amalgamations & changes in funding at the provincial and local levels make prioritizing this issue a challenge. By recognizing this at a national level, it would assure that all Canadians receive the same standard of regulation and enforcement that is crucial for good health. We know trans-fats are bad...we know that their damaging effects cost the health care system $ in the long run....so let's see it made a priority to get rid of them once and for all!!!