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Canadians may benefit from a U.S. proposal calling on the food industry to phase out trans fats, says a consumer advocate who wants Health Canada to follow suit. 

According to CBC, the ban proposed by the Food and Drug Administration would eliminate artificial trans fats in processed food and could prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 heart-related deaths a year in the U.S.

Manufacturers use trans fats to extend shelf life. However, consuming them raises low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, the FDA says.

The FDA proposal would define partially hydrogenated oils, the main dietary source of trans fats in processed foods, as additives that could not be used in food unless authorized.

Bill Jeffrey, national co-ordinator for the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, says Health Canada has told the Canadian government that removing trans fats from the food supply could prevent 1,000 deaths a year while saving almost half a billion dollars.

Documents obtained by Jeffrey’s group showed the federal government planned to limit the trans fat content of vegetable oils and margarines. However, no announcement was made.

Jeffrey said it’s hard to know what the implications of the U.S. proposal will be for Canadians. American food manufacturers may export safer products to Canada but they may see Canada as a market to get rid of trans fat laden foods, he said.

Fact: There are a million bands in the greater Montreal area. In order to help you sort through them, CJLO is listening to albums and judging bands so you don't have to. Take for example, Andrew from Grade A Explosives. This Sunday, November 10th, he's decided that you need to hear about Forbidden Sin. He'll have them in to talk about their music, Montreal metal scene, and the best way to prepare a baked potato. So tune in from 4-6 PM for all this and more.

Mi’kmaq leaders on the East Coast are celebrating a legal win against the Canadian government this week.

According to CBC, proposed changes to social assistance programs on reserves won’t become a reality after all.

The federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs was trying to adjust welfare rates on Maritime reserves to match provincial standards.

This would cause many people to lose their eligibility.

As of yesterday, the changes were rejected at the federal court level.

STORY BY MARILLA STEUTER-MARTIN

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has admitted to using cocaine.

According to The Toronto Star, Ford has apologised, saying he is not an addict.

This comes after months of Ford denying drug use.

The scandal came to light last spring when a video of him smoking crack was reported on by The Star.

The police are now in possession of the video.

Ford says he plans to continue in office.

STORY BY MARILLA STEUTER-MARTIN