Fast food plays healthy catch-up

Sun2Surf: While the recent demonisation of fast food by our health and information authorities may be justified, it is still open to debate.
Fast-food corporations were reluctant to engage in discussion but it is known that they are becoming increasingly health-conscious in keeping with consumer sentiments.
Most publish nutritional information and offer items such as salads, vege burgers and fruit juices.
Recently, fast-food chains including KFC and McDonald's have committed to using trans fat-free oil in all their foods.
McDonald's claimed to have spent seven years testing more than 50 blends of 18 types of oil before settling on its current choice.
In 2006, McDonald's European business enjoyed its best sales growth in 15 years after the introduction of a more nutritious and diverse menu.
Fast-food advertising can in fact contribute to health education.
As a response to Super Size Me, a movie documenting the effects of a 30-day McDonald's diet coupled with minimal exercise, McDonald's UK launched a website (http://www.supersizeme-thedebate.co.uk) underscoring the show's core argument - "If you eat too much and do too little, it's bad for you" - and providing a balanced diet plan.
The fast-food health wave - advertisements included - could well be a positive force in Malaysia, if the companies also emphasise on the nutritional benefits of their products.
Experts such as Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity president Dr Mohd Ismail Noor believe that banning fast-food advertisements won't do much good.
Ismail, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia professor, explains: "Fast food reached Malaysia three decades ago and is here to stay. Numerous factors, like our sedentary lifestyle, are to be blamed for the obesity epidemic. You can be fat without ever walking into a fast-food restaurant."
Instead of a complete ban, Ismail suggested screening fast-food TV advertisements only after 9pm to protect children from over-exposure to such commercials.
He also supports the proposed sin tax on fast food. "Fast food in Malaysia is among the cheapest in the world. Increasing its price will make people think twice about eating it."
While the focus is on western-style fast food, there are enough local favourites which are just as - by the standards of our health authorities - unhealthy.
Not too long ago, even teh tarik was targeted as contributing to diabetes. Our affinity for roti canai has also been blamed for the high cholesterol levels of the Malaysian populace.
"Nasi lemak in its original form is fine. It is the oily toppings that consumers request, for example, fried chicken, that make it unhealthy," Ismail said.
Nutritionist Dr Zawiah Hashim agrees that "it is alright to eat fast food in moderation provided you maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly".
While Malaysian Dietitians' Association president Tan Yoke Hua supports the proposed fast-food ad ban, she said a variety of factors contribute to obesity and cancer. "All of us need to watch our food intake in totality. Small portions of fast food are not too damaging. Some other foods are also high in calories," she said.