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Re: "Governments must act on obesity epidemic; It's time to ban trans fats, regulate ads, get harmful foods out of schools," by Louis Francescutti, Opinion, May 25.

I am writing to express concern over the heavy-handed approach to the theme of this opinion article.

The author is obviously an experienced medical practitioner, but his misguided advice reflects his role as a civil and public servant, in that he insists on more government regulations to protect adults and children from making poor food choices.

Drawing a false parallel to tobacco (with its proven direct links to cancer and heart disease) as a rationale to levy even further regulation and restriction on Albertans is alarming.

Obesity is a very complex issue which cannot be blamed on a single food or beverage group as the major cause.

Proper nutrition education at home and in the school system is the most effective way to teach young people to make choices in a healthy and balanced way in order that they may enjoy the widest ranges of consumption choices without society relying on government to resort to bans on ingredients, products or advertising.

Refreshments Canada members have been working closely with nutrition experts in the education system to ensure that healthy beverage choices, which are age appropriate, are presented in public schools across Canada.

Justin Sherwood, president, Refreshments Canada, Toronto

Obesity demands education, not regulation
The Edmonton Journal
Mon 01 Jun 2009
Page: A15
Section: Letters
Byline: Justin Sherwood
Source: The Edmonton Journal

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