Day 021 - 29 Jul 94 - Page 11

     
     1        whole.  Again, in this country, as far as fat, as far as
              saturated fat is concerned, the message that is coming
     2        through is that it would be advisable to reduce it.
 
     3        Again I think I should emphasise it is only within about
              the last 10 years or so that any attempt has been made to
     4        apply quantitative data to what would be an ideal or
              recommended level for the whole population.
     5
         Q.   As a nutritionist, you are concerned first and foremost,
     6        is that so, on people's health; is that correct?
              A.  Well, it is one of my concerns, yes.
     7
         Q.   In your role as a nutritionist, is that your main concern?
     8        A.  It is one of them, yes.
 
     9   Q.   Is it the main concern?
              A.  It is an important concern, yes.
    10
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Is not your job all about healthy eating?
         If you are a nutritionist, your profession, vocation, call
              it what you will, what other major factors are there?
    12        A.  Well, it might simply be to understand some aspect of
              the metabolism of how a particular nutrient or other
    13        constituent in the body actually functions.  But,
              ultimately, it is about understanding the actual
    14        requirements and the way in which they are fulfilled in
              humans or in animals for that matter.
    15
         MR. MORRIS:  But you give advice about health to McDonald's
    16        Restaurants Limited; is that your main role as a
              nutritionist?
    17        A.  I give advice about current nutritional developments
              and the implications that they may have for the McDonald's
    18        operation.
 
    19   Q.   Let us just look at the grey book.
              A.  Yes.
    20
         Q.   Just say, for example, page 2, point 1.3.5.?
         A.  Yes, I am with you.
 
    22   Q.   Let us just read out this paragraph:  "Because, apart from
              essential fatty acids, there is no absolute requirement
    23        for fats, sugars or starches, it is not possible to derive
              useful reference figures for them based on a range of
    24        requirements.  Rather, the Panel has made pragmatic
              judgements based on the changes from current intakes which
    25        would be expected to result in certain changes in
              physiological and or health outcomes.  These judgements 
    26        have been made bearing in mind the likely changes which 
              might occur in the prevailing socio-cultural environment 
    27        in the UK, and should not be taken to represent 'ideal'
              figures."
    28
              Does that mean to you, when it says "there is no absolute
    29        requirement for fat, sugars or starches", just say, for
              example, on fats and sugars, that those, apart from
    30        essential fatty acids, could, in fact, be cut out of the
              diet completely?