Social destruction: We are paying the price

It does not stay on the table or the shelf as it appears. It is sold in all sorts of packages and under all sorts of names, and we buy it. Our decision-making processes are being undermined. Some of us are not at an age to make healthy decisions. It fits our budget, too. And it is so "nice"! The most heavily advertised poison... A poison that is the most supported, most accessible, and whose "contribution" to social destruction is perhaps on par with "narcotic substances": Sugar. 

LIVE AS IF SUGAR DOES NOT EXIST!

It is not on the opposition's agenda. During the time of the "Table of Six," a "Memorandum of Common Policies" was prepared. The word "sugar" appears twice in the text. And they are not in the context of food safety or public health. It seems that these issues "did not cross their minds". 

The Turkish left had a great asset: Osman Nuri Koçtürk, nicknamed "Tarhana Osman." He fought tooth and nail against food imperialism and gave his life for it. Back then, he was a soldier of the '68 generation and the socialist left. The left used to stand up for him. As a twist of fate, he was recently the subject of an article in Yeni Şafak: 

SUGAR IS A POLITICAL ISSUE

We have forgotten about food imperialism. We do not address it in the political or legal sphere. Yet its effects are greater than ever. Through food imperialism, and especially through excessive and "hidden" sugar consumption, the masses are being sedated. The social cost of rising sugar consumption is enormous. Local producers are harmed, monopolies exploit local producers, the masses are being dumbed down, obesity is increasing, and metabolic syndrome is becoming widespread... With the spread of metabolic syndrome, numerous diseases are on the rise, and people's quality of life is declining. Moreover, as a result, drug consumption is increasing. This has negative effects on both the foreign trade deficit and the budget through general health insurance and healthcare expenditures... In short, we are in the midst of a social catastrophe. Outside of "health" and "weight loss" programs, we do not address this issue on a political or legal level. What a pity!

WE ARE AWARE IN APPEARANCE

Five years ago... A protocol was signed between the Ministry of Health, the Turkish Federation of Restaurateurs and Pastry Chefs, and the Confederation of All Chefs and Pastry Chefs regarding the reduction of excessive salt and sugar use. How nice! 

Do we have any concern about fighting the poison of sugar? Let's make "less sugary" poisons. Let children see these sugars at school, in the children's play areas of shopping malls, on television, and on social media... Let them see them and not want them, or want them and not consume them... Is this realistic? Are we kidding ourselves? 

The Federation of Food and Drink Industry Associations of Turkey (TGDF) is also addressing this issue. However, their way of addressing it remains limited to good intentions. More cannot be expected. Because they are not responsible for protecting public health. The responsibility for this issue lies with public institutions, primarily the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of National Education, and the Ministry of Trade, as well as NGOs that have made it their goal to protect public health. However, we are not witnessing a struggle on this matter. 

Nutrition and Dietetics Departments, Medical Faculties through their curricula, and law schools through "health law" courses should address this issue. Yet what is being done? The masses are being deceived with wordplay. They are being misled with "no added sugar" and "sugar-free" labels. Health concerns are being quelled with the fallacy that "natural sugar" is healthy. Consumer rights are being violated, and unfair competition is being created. Lawsuits? Neither lawyers, nor politicians, nor citizens are focusing on this issue. Yet this should become a matter of public health and public safety. 

FOLLOW THE MONEY, FIND THE MASTER!

Let's look at the food courts of shopping malls, any grocery store, market, or supermarket aisle... The allure, powerful advertisements, deceptive labels, and accessibility of sugar and sugary foods are dazzling. But let's pretend they don't exist. 

The left, in particular, should have no excuse on this matter. For the left, the primary issue of the economy should be the citizen's struggle for livelihood, survival, and healthy development as an individual. When sugar is the raw material and weapon of a massive sector that affects all of these, overlooking sugar is sheer negligence and heedlessness. It is even a betrayal. 

We will continue...