Tough Food Control Laws

Get the government out of my pantry!

A bill giving the Government sweeping powers to combat obesity could lead to supermarkets being told where to place unhealthy food and restrictions on television advertising of junk food to children, critics say.

The Public Health Bill provides new ways for the Cabinet or the Director-General of Health to act against suspected causes of obesity.

Health groups are strongly backing the new provisions, but the advertising industry is lobbying politicians to amend the bill before it is passed.

National's health spokesman, Tony Ryall, yesterday labelled features of the bill as "nanny state gone too far" and said it could result in stores being told where to place items such as wine and cheese and restrictions on the sale of some products near schools.

It could also have implications for fast-food sponsorships.

"These are far-reaching regulations that have been sneaked into the bill with very little fanfare or explanation," Mr Ryall said.

"This is Helen Clark getting into your pantry."

Given what I have read lately the lack of any evidence that obesity will cost the country more in health expenditure, and in later life may actually have a protective effect, this whole exercise is worse than futile.

And while I'm on the topic, they can stop advertising every-which-where on what a healthy diet should be. If anyone in New Zealand does not know the general guidelines of eating a wide variety of foods and including fruit and vege every day, then I doubt they will learn through TV advertising. What a waste of money.