June 22, 2007
Health Canada allows two years to find trans fat solution The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) supports the federal government's call for targeted reductions in trans fats in Canadian foods over the next two years.
Health Minister Tony Clement announced June 20 that the government will adopt the Trans Fat Task Force's 2006 recommendation to restrict the trans fat content of most foods to less than 5% of total fat and 2% of total fat in vegetable oils and soft, spreadable margarines.
“We are giving industry two years to reduce trans fat to the lowest levels possible as recommended by the Trans Fat Task Force. If significant progress has not been made over the next two years, we will regulate to ensure the levels are met,” says Clement.
The two-year window is especially important to ensure food manufacturers have time to find trans fat replacements that do not increase saturated fat, according to Council vice-president Dave Hickling.
The canola industry is well positioned to help the food industry reduce trans fat in all food applications because canola oil contains zero trans fat and is the lowest in saturated fat of all commercially available fats and oils, Hickling adds.
For more information on the government's announcement, go to: www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Canola lassoes the oil market at major summer event - The Calgary Stampede has stepped forward as the first organization to feature the claim "We Use Canola Oil" under the CanolaInfo program of the same name. The Stampede is touting its healthy oil change via posters and other promotional materials bearing a "We Use Canola Oil" logo in midway food stands. Most, if not all, offerings including corn dogs, deep-fried Coca-Cola, elephant ears, fish n' Chips and french fries will be prepared with canola oil. CanolaInfo, a North American marketing coalition for canola oil, developed the logo to raise consumer awareness of this healthy oil and foods that contain it. The annual fair and exhibition is the largest agricultural event in Canada.
The June edition of the food industry magazine, Food Technology also features a mention of the “Made with Canola Oil” campaign being launched across North America by CanolaInfo.
Kellogg's kids cereals will have no more trans - Kellogg has promised that its children's cereals and snack products will be made healthier, or the company will stop marketing them to kids. Part of that commitment means the cereals will contain zero trans fat by the end of 2008, says the company.
Kellogg has created its own Kellogg Global Nutrient Criteria that sets an upper threshold per serving of 200 calories; 2 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 230 milligrams sodium; and 12 g sugar. Products that do not meet these standards by the end of next year will no longer be marketed to children under 12.
Its promise also includes changes to the way Kellogg markets all of its children's food products. Advocacy groups have apparently threatened a lawsuit related to their concerns over childhood obesity. To learn more about Kellogg's approach, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.
No more room for trans fat at Starwood Hotels - Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide announced June 19 it plans to eliminate artificial trans fat from 400 hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean by the end of the year. This includes food served at Starwood-operated restaurants, banquets, catering, room service, bars and lounges. Starwood runs Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, Le Meridien and W hotels.
The hotel chain wants to offer healthier, high-quality food, says Paul Scott, vice president of food and beverage. He has not said how the company will eliminate trans fat, or what type of cooking oil it will now use.
Canola cooking contest getting media attention - It's state fair season across the U.S., and even before the deep fryers can be fired up, the CanolaInfo-sponsored cooking contest, Stick with Canola Oil! Fry it for the Fair, is garnering media attention. The San Diego County Fair begins today, and the city's two major dailies have both included the contest in its pre-event coverage.
Fry it for the Fair invites American home gourmets to invent a new recipe with 10 ingredients or less that be put on a stick and deep fried in canola oil. The top prize at each fair is $200.
The North County Times article provides a rundown on the latest in cooking contests, including Fry it for the Fair and even features the CanolaInfo recipe for Ultimate Fish and Chips: www.nctimes.com/articles/2007
To read the San Diego Union Tribune article on SignOnSanDiego go to: www.signonsandiego.com/news/features
American Biofuels Council formed - Representatives of the U.S. biofuel industry have joined to form the American Biofuels Council. The national association aims to advance the use of alternative fuels and other products derived from biomass derivatives.
“We want to remove every barrier that stands between the average consumer, local enterprises and government in adopting biofuels for their fleets, cars, homes and businesses,” says Jim Lane, ABC chairman and CEO of Eos Biofuel.
The organization has members in every U.S. state, and it has appointed a board of governors, including academic, ethanol, biodiesel and energy experts and policy makers.
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