Christina L.

Taalla
3830 E Lakewood Parkway, Apt #3106
Phoenix, AZ 85044-0320
Representative David Schweikert
10603 North Hayden Road, Ste 108
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
September 13, 2012
Dear Mr. Schweikert,
I am writing to you regarding H.R. 1486 (Trans Fat Truth in Labeling Act of 2011). I would ask that you vote in
favor of this bill when your chambers final vote occurs.
I am a current student of dietetics at Arizona State University. As a part of the education curriculum, I have
reviewed and discussed truthful labeling in many of the courses. I feel that this bill encourages and affirms truthful
labeling. Manufactures should be prohibited from stating that a product contains zero trans-fat, if it does indeed contain
even a slight amount. I present the following beliefs in support;

The current legislation regarding trans-fat labeling is in fact misleading to the consumer. The labeling of a
product as zero trans-fat should be reserved for products which actually contain no trans-fat. In present
situation, consumers are consuming trans-fat without their awareness.
The American Health Association currently recommends limiting trans-fat consumption to less than 1% of
daily calories. Due to existing regulations, an American citizen may believe they are indeed limiting their
consumption to less than 1% or less, when in fact they may be consuming small amounts in many food
sources in their daily diet.
Trans-fat is known to be harmful to health, and plays a role in the development of diseases, such as heart
disease and diabetes. Cholesterol leaves are negatively impacted with the consumption of trans-fat containing
products, which increases bad LDL levels while lowering good HDL levels.
Consumers should be given the necessary information to make informed nutrition choices. This should
include the exact amount of nutrients in their diet choices, regardless of the actual percentage of nutrient in
the food item. The knowledge that a food contains even a slim amount of trans-fat helps consumers make
wise choices, and could potentially save lives.
Zero should mean zero!

Labeling of food products should be precise and accurate. Truthful labeling is important to the American
population in allowing them to make educated decisions regarding their dietary habits. By allowing manufactures a
loophole, however marginal it may be, the government has sacrificed honest classification, and this should be rectified.
I appreciate your concern, and your reflection of my appraisal. Should you require additional information, I may
be reached at 480-278-3042, or by email, Elitecoachcf@gmail.com.
Yours sincerely,

Christina L. Taalla