Trans fat still a problem in pastries

OTTAWA—Fast-food chains are cutting trans fats under voluntary guidelines, but the federal government is threatening to force suppliers of fat-packed baked goods to find a healthier alternative.
Junior health minister Steven Fletcher calls the latest trans fat statistics from Health Canada “great news for Canadians.”

But Fletcher, speaking yesterday at a fast-food restaurant in Ottawa, added more must be done.
Last June, Ottawa asked the food industry to voluntarily reduce trans fat levels to five percent of the total fat content of food products and two percent in vegetable oils and margarine.
Health minister Tony Clement gave the industry two years to reach these targets and said regulations would be considered if they fell short.
But while restaurants are falling into step, the baked-goods sector remains a challenge. Only a few pastry manufacturers have made strides to reduce trans fat in their products.
“There is a possibility of regulation if industry doesn’t meet the goals that have been outlined by the trans fat task force,” said Fletcher.
“It’s important to highlight the fact that the industry is doing this voluntarily.”
The Heart and Stroke Foundation criticized margarine and doughnut manufacturers for their lack of effort to develop healthier options for consumers.
Stephen Samis, the group’s director of health policy, targeted producers of soft margarines—some of which have up to 30 grams of trans fats.
“There is no reason for that and it really is a lack of will, not a lack of ability,” said Samis.
High intake of trans fats has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease by lowering a person’s good cholesterol while increasing levels of bad cholesterol.
Samis acknowledged healthier alternatives can come with a price tag, but said the short-term cost is necessary to ensure the health of Canadians.
“The cost of reformulating your product is there and we salute those companies that have made the difference, and we’re really concerned about those who are just not moving on it.”
Soft-tub margarines from Golden Gate, Chefmaster, and Lactantia were singled out by the task force as some of the worst trans fat offenders.
Popular doughnut chains Coffee Time, Robin’s Donuts, and Dunkin’ Donuts also made the list.