Flash in the Pan

In another example of government in the pantry, the Malaysian government is considering a ban on all advertising of fast food. Prompting what sounds like a trial balloon - because sometimes Big Brother gets tired of focus groups - is an increase in diet-related problems such as hypertension and diabetes. We want to send a strong signal to consumers," said Health Minister Chua Soi Lek. "We do not allow advertising for cigarettes and liquor. Fast food should be treated in the same way as alcohol." Well, I suspect the former has more to do with the strong Muslim presence in the country. Perhaps more at the core is the possibility the government apparently sees in adding a "sin tax" for fast food. "You've got how many pickles in that McBurger? Sorry, that's an extra 18 cents."