[Greens-Media] Krispy Kreme pushes trans fats Trojan horse into schools

[John Kaye]

Krispy Kreme pushes trans fats Trojan horse into schools 

Media Release: 30 November 2008

 Australian Krispy Kreme doughnuts are still cooked in the dangerous trans fats despite having removed them from their US products, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Commenting on a story in today's Sun Herald ('Doughnut giant still using dangerous fats in Australia”, p. 22), Dr Kaye said: "As long as state and federal food ministers refuse to act to eradicate these unnecessary artificial fats, companies like Krispy Kreme will continue to use them and continue to push them onto school communities for fund raisers.

"Denmark has banned the artificially produced fats and in July California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law that will terminate trans fats in his state because of their contribution to the cardiovascular disease epidemic.

"In Australia these heart-attack causing fats are effectively unregulated. Food producers and fast food outlets are not even required  to warn consumers of their presence. 

"Krispy Kreme is behaving irresponsibly. They cannot pretend that they do not know that trans fats are dangerous, given their American parent company stopped using them over a year ago.

"The absurdity of trans fat laden foods being marketed into schools highlights the need for a nation-wide ban.

"The doughnut manufacturer will not give up a profitable marketing activity without either being forced to by regulations or shamed into it by public exposure.

"The nation's food ministers have left young people exposed to a very nasty artificial fat.

"While the rest of the world is waking up to the dangers of trans fats, NSW Food Minister Ian Macdonald and his colleagues in other states and territories are busy turning a blind eye to companies like Krispy Kreme pushing their product onto school communities.

"The food regulators have failed to protect young Australians from the predatory marketing by food chains that promote unhealthy products.

"A Greens Bill in the NSW Parliament to ban trans fats is due to be voted on early in 2009," Dr Kaye said. 

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455