Madam, - Victoria White (March 29th) raises some very pertinent points about Ibec's Nutrition and Health Foundation.
The Irish Heart Foundation acknowledges that industry has a role to play in combating the obesity problem and that Government and civil society need to work with industry.
However the Government, not industry, must lead on all strategies and approaches to health education and health policy. This leadership was so important in the recent smoking legislation debate - where for once vested interests did not dominate.
Obesity will continue to be a major health issue in the years ahead. We will need effective health policies on the source, contents and marketing of food to adults - and especially to children. The Government must be advised and guided by independent health experts on the obesity/diet issue and also ensure independent monitoring of industry practices that may affect obesity and health.
The food industry is hugely important in finding a way forward in tackling obesity and perhaps, as a first step, this foundation should look at industry approaches that are contributing to the rise in obesity, such as food marketing, rather than targeting individuals through industry-led information and education programmes.
We also urge the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and all members of the Government to show strong and enlightened leadership in implementing the recommendations of the report by the National Taskforce on Obesity. It is imperative that this document does not become the victim of obfuscation. - Yours, etc.,
Dr WILL FENNELL, President, Irish Heart Foundation, Dublin 4.
A chara, - Given the success of the ban on smoking in the workplace, with 98 per cent of the public believing it has led to healthier workplaces, and the anecdotal evidence suggesting that many people have either reduced the amount they smoke or quit smoking altogether, would it now be timely for the Government to impose a ban on eating in the workplace? - Is mise,
JAMES GAFFNEY, Bracken Gardens, North Circular Road, Limerick.