The Girl Scouts sell nearly half a billion dollars worth of cookies so we are not talking about an insignificant issue here folks.
Next year they won't be able to get away with it as the government will require all packaged goods to list the amount of trans fat in their products, and trans fat will finally get the recognition it deserves. Once the public has the tools to identify these dangerous foods, it will be a major disadvantage to any company that still uses trans fats in their product.
Girl Scout officials claim they continue encouraging the two national companies that bake the cookies (ABC/Interbake Foods and Little Brownie Bakers) to find other oils that still taste as good.
If you purchased Girl Scout cookies this year not all the types have the same amount of, trans fat. Carmel deLites and Peanut Butter Patties register nominal amounts of trans fat while:
In response, the national office of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. stated cookies are looked at as treats and shouldn't be a major part of anyone's diet. The office further explained that the main point is not the cookies, but rather their sale, which helps troops raise money and teaches girls life skills such as goal setting and entrepreneurship.
The Girl Scouts have the potential of being a powerful player in issues of nutrition. In fact, the organization issued a 35-page health report as part of a "healthy living" initiation planned to roll out later this year; ironically, the report never mentioned cookies.
New York Times March 9, 2005
I have nothing against the Girl Scouts as I believe they are a terrific organization. I used to be a Boy Scout and strongly support the scout movement. Unfortunately, they have selected vendors that are causing harm to the public. It is time they did their homework and start to change their cookies so they don't contain this dangerous fat that is one of the most harmful foods that you can eat.
As early as 2003 I wrote how the FDA announced in 2006 legislation requiring food manufacturers to list the amount of trans fat on Nutrition Facts labels. Well folks, 2006 is growing near, with less than a year to go! Until then, you will simply need to continue fending for yourself when making food choices and steer clear of trans fats.
Trans Fats: What Are They and How Can They Hurt You?
Trans fat, also known as trans fatty acids, is an artery-clogging cancer causing fat that is formed when vegetable oils are hardened into margarine or shortening. These fats have only been around for the last 100 years, yet are found in a number of foods besides margarine and shortening, as stated in the above article.
Not only is trans fat present in many foods today, but trans fat is known to increase blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, while lowering levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol. It can also cause your arteries to clog, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems. Many food companies use trans fat instead of oil because it reduces cost, extends storage life of products and can improve perceived flavor and texture.
Related Articles:
Trans Fat Much Worse for You Than Saturated Fat Health Risks from Processed Foods and The Dangers of Trans Fats No-Trans-Fat Snacks Coming
Trans Fat Much Worse for You Than Saturated Fat
Health Risks from Processed Foods and The Dangers of Trans Fats
No-Trans-Fat Snacks Coming