Call to ban 'deadly' trans-fats

Dr Richard Simpson called for trans-fats to be banned

An MSP has launched a bid to ban the use of "Frankenstein fats" associated with coronary heart disease.

The campaign by former GP Dr Richard Simpson, the Labour member for Mid Scotland and Fife, has received the backing of celebrity chef Nick Nairn.

Dr Simpson's Bill, if passed, would ban shops and restaurants from selling food with more than 1% of trans-fatty acids.

Trans-fats are chemically altered vegetable oils used to give processed foods a longer shelf-life.

Their use is linked to conditions such as stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Dr Simpson said: "There are currently no laws in Scotland which regulate the use of these 'Frankenstein fats' and we need to put this right.

"I believe that if my Bill is passed it will help to reduce the number of Scots who die early from heart disease.

"Most British companies have already removed trans-fats from their products, but if we can eliminate the remainder it will both save lives and improve the health of the Scottish people as a whole."

Mr Nairn backed the bill and said the law on trans-fats needed to be changed.

He said: "I wholeheartedly agree that legislation is the way forward to reduce and eliminate public consumption of trans-fats and effectively eliminate trans-fats from the diet of Scottish people."

Dr Simpson said that recent studies had shown trans-fats could increase the risk of chronic heart disease more than any other fat.

His bill calls for regulation to permanently limit the use of the fatty acids in all foods.