The Dangers of Sandwiches
Last night's Dispatches programme on Channel 4 delivered a stinging critique of the British sandwich industry (worth £5BN).
Dispatches showed that sandwiches from some of the top retailers contain huge amounts of salt and fat; many are also bulked up with chemicals, water and starch.
"Proper thick ham", as described on the front of one packet of sandwiches, was in reality (as per the small print on the back) formed from pork products. This being rendered meat; whereby the carcass is subjected to a powerjet that removes all fat, gristle and meat which is then reformed into textured slices.
Nice!
The programme also secretly filmed the shockingly unhygienic practices at one factory that supplies small shops and garages.
Take a careful look at the ingredients next time you buy a sandwich. It is far better to make your own.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Fast Food Ban
Fast Food Ban
Planners in Los Angeles have imposed a moratorium on the opening of new fast food outlets of chains such as Burger King and KFC in South Los Angeles, in an attempt to encourage better eating habits among the area's mainly black and Hispanic population.
The full Los Angeles council is expected on Tuesday to approve the restrictions across the 32 square-mile area of the city, where fast food outlets make up 45% of restaurants.
The trouble is that fast food is only one part of the problem. Consumers need to take responsibility for how much they eat and what exercise they take. Additionally, the fast food outlets provide much needed employment in areas of poverty and deprivation.
This is not a cure all solution for the alleged obesity epidemic.
Planners in Los Angeles have imposed a moratorium on the opening of new fast food outlets of chains such as Burger King and KFC in South Los Angeles, in an attempt to encourage better eating habits among the area's mainly black and Hispanic population.
The full Los Angeles council is expected on Tuesday to approve the restrictions across the 32 square-mile area of the city, where fast food outlets make up 45% of restaurants.
The trouble is that fast food is only one part of the problem. Consumers need to take responsibility for how much they eat and what exercise they take. Additionally, the fast food outlets provide much needed employment in areas of poverty and deprivation.
This is not a cure all solution for the alleged obesity epidemic.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Trans Fats
Trans Fats
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that:
"California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent to the governor.
The measure, passed with a bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position, a spokesman said."
All very well, but since when does the state have the right to dictate what people may or may not eat?
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that:
"California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent to the governor.
The measure, passed with a bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position, a spokesman said."
All very well, but since when does the state have the right to dictate what people may or may not eat?
Monday, July 07, 2008
Stop Waste
Stop Waste
It is rare indeed that I find myself agreeing, in part at least, with Gordon Brown. However, for once I do agree with him when he says that people should stop wasting food.
Britain is facing the highest level of food price rises in Europe, the negative effects of which are being felt the most by those on low incomes.
It is therefore quite right that people should stop wasting food and learn to use leftovers, as I was brought up to do.
However, whether the Prime Minister should try to micromanage people's shopping habits quite so much, by suggesting that people should plan meals in advance and that supermarkets should end three-for-two deals, is open to question.
I suspect we will soon see a "Dig for Victory" campaign.
It is rare indeed that I find myself agreeing, in part at least, with Gordon Brown. However, for once I do agree with him when he says that people should stop wasting food.
Britain is facing the highest level of food price rises in Europe, the negative effects of which are being felt the most by those on low incomes.
It is therefore quite right that people should stop wasting food and learn to use leftovers, as I was brought up to do.
However, whether the Prime Minister should try to micromanage people's shopping habits quite so much, by suggesting that people should plan meals in advance and that supermarkets should end three-for-two deals, is open to question.
I suspect we will soon see a "Dig for Victory" campaign.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
M&S Hit By Downturn
M&S Hit By Downturn
The consumer downturn is even affecting theat bastion of the high street, Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer issued a profit warning yesterday, stating that sales at its British stores open more than a year fell 5.3% in the 13 weeks to June 28 and noted that its upscale food business had lost market share as shoppers switched to cheaper rivals. Sales at stores open more than a year in the group's food business were down 4.5%.
M&S also announced that Steven Esom, head of food, was leaving after just one year and that it would look at more programs like its "Dine in for 10 pounds" campaign to win back customers.
M&S will look at how to adapt their food range to shoppers who are more concerned about price.
The consumer downturn is even affecting theat bastion of the high street, Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer issued a profit warning yesterday, stating that sales at its British stores open more than a year fell 5.3% in the 13 weeks to June 28 and noted that its upscale food business had lost market share as shoppers switched to cheaper rivals. Sales at stores open more than a year in the group's food business were down 4.5%.
M&S also announced that Steven Esom, head of food, was leaving after just one year and that it would look at more programs like its "Dine in for 10 pounds" campaign to win back customers.
M&S will look at how to adapt their food range to shoppers who are more concerned about price.
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