In bad taste

McDonald’s has come under fire for a recent ad campaign which speaks about its Big Mac burger in the same breath as mental illness. The ad, which appeared on the Boston transport system in early April, showed a woman covering her face with her hand next to the slogan: “You’re Not Alone”.

Ban on junk food in plastic bags

TAKING a strong stance on the adverse effects of plastic on health and the environment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered a statewide ban on the sale of junk food in non-biodegradable packets. The ban, effective from April 1, will not cover essential items such as edible oil and milk.

Letters - September 30, 2012

Integrated Approach

Junking the myth

A COMMON argument of proponents of fast food is that such products are not very different from oily food made at home. But scientists at University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health in the US say eating oil-laden home made French fries and burgers is not the same as gobbling up the same food at your favourite fast food joint.

Letters - August 15, 2012

It’s business as usual

The new obesity

With a pinch of salt

Claims made by fast food giants that they cannot reduce the high salt content in their products, which is a serious health concern, have been belied by a study.

Letters - May 31, 2012

Focus Rural The interview, “Tribal philosophy can’t be ignored beyond a point” (April 1-15, 2012), is highly relevant in the context of the ongoing conflict between development and tribal philosophy. Mahatma Gandhi was the first pre- and post-Independence politician and social activist to comprehend the importance of rural way of life. He wanted the state to protect it.

Science and Technology - Briefs

Astrophysics Star-eating monsters

Letters - May 15, 2012

Freshwater economics