In regard to the threat of poison in foods and environment, European doctors and governments have demonstrated their willingness to protect the public. For example, long before Americans even heard of the possible link between smoking and cancer, several European governments, convinced by the overwhelming evidence, took action against smoking. In England tobacco advertising is under rigid restriction. In Italy it is totally banned. Heavy taxes were put on cigarettes by many countries to make them less attractive; a pack of cigarettes in Sweden, for example, costs about three times the American price!
Fluoridation of the water is another good example. Many European countries do not want anything to do with fluoridation. The government of Denmark, on recommendation of their Medical Association, totally prohibited the fluoridation of water throughout the country. Russia and many East European countries did the same. Their reason for prohibition is that “there is no valid scientific evidence as to the benefit or the harmfulness of the measure.”
The scientific council of the International Society for Research on Nutrition and Vital Substances, a foremost scientific body of over 400 scientists from all over the world, has condemned fluoridation of the water. Their resolution on prevention of dental diseases states: “A diet of natural, whole foods rich in vital substances stimulating mastication should be preferred to a compulsory fluoridation of drinking water.”
Where poisonous pesticides and food additives are concerned, many European countries have taken drastic measures to protect the public.
In Germany, since 1959, there has been a very strict law regulating additives to foods of fremdestoffe (foreign substances), implying that they don’t really belong in foods. Amounts of additives permitted in foods are sharply reduced and all additives must be clearly declared, even in restaurants, where food additives used in every item on the menu must be indicated.
In France, bleached flour is not permitted to be used in bread, nor are chemical additives permitted in bread. In England, there is a government law, the Carcinogenic Substances Regulation, termed “a landmark in cancer prevention,” which supervises and regulates the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in man’s environment. Spain and Israel have reduced by law the chemical treatment of their fruits. And in Soviet Russia, food processors and manufacturers are not allowed to use any artificial colors or flavors in any foods whatsoever.
While we ridicule those who try to improve their health and prevent disease by eating health foods, in Sweden, top nutritionists at the famous Nobel Institute have started extensive research aimed at the development of a health-food diet that will prevent illness and build optimum health.