RUSSIAN OFFICIALS PROPOSED TO LABEL FAST FOOD WITH PICTURES OF ILLNESSES

Children’s rights Ombudsman in Tatarstan, Irina Volynets, stated that it was necessary to print a detailed description of ingredients on fast food packages, as well as add pictures of illnesses, similar to printed on tobacco products, on them.

The initiative was sent to the head of the Ministry of Health Mikhail Murashko, the head of Russian Agency for Health and Consumer Rights Anna Popova and the representative of the Duma on health protection Dmitry Morozov. Irina Volynets said that fast food contained carcinogens, fats, trans fats and sugar, which are not harmless to humans.

The official called for the development of a regulation obliging manufacturers to inform buyers about the danger and harm.

Buyers of fast food should clearly see the ingredients of dishes, and they should also be informed about the consequences of eating such products. It is assumed that a contrasting inscription on the presence of harmful substances in a product should occupy at least 17% of the package, and a picture with a disease - at least 50%.

Volynets added that this was primarily necessary to protect the interests of children, as well as to maintain the health of Russians.

Previously, activists suggested limiting fast food advertising by banning it from 8 am to 11 pm. In addition, the State Duma received an initiative with a proposal to direct taxes from fast food to combat obesity.