May 28, 2003 – The US government must do more to educate people about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and the dangers associated with other types of fats, says an agency closely linked to the President.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reports directly to the President of the United States. Its mission is, in part, to assess the performance and effectiveness of the various components of government.
In a letter addressed to the US Departments of Agriculture and Health, OMB urges them to revise the American Food Guide so as to give more prominence to omega-3 fatty acids while further warning the population against trans fatty acids (see the article from PasseportSanté.net on this subject, dated September 12, 2002).
Several studies claim that omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish or canola oil, protect against cardiovascular disease. Trans fatty acids, on the other hand, would have the opposite effect and are not usually mentioned on food labeling. They are found in margarine, salad dressing and commercially prepared foods.
A new version of the American Food Pyramid is due for release in 2005.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Washington Post; May 28, 2003.
