I’M GLAD TO SEE the public isn’t letting go of the chicken wing issue yet. Hopefully “the truth will out” soon. In the meantime, it’s alleged that the shipment in question came in as “ground meat”, which is apparently duty-free, probably because it’s used in manufacturing. But today I want to look at chicken wings from another perspective.
Isn’t it time authorities stop “blowing hot and cold” on the matter of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)? We’re inundated daily with calls from all and sundry to improve our diet and lifestyle. “Reduce salt, sugar and fat” keeps ringing in our ears.
We have a Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Centre at the University of the West Indies and Government even established a National Non-Communicable Diseases Commission. Then of course there are the non-governmental organisations like the Heart Foundation, Diabetes Association and Cancer Society, all with the same goal – a healthier society.
In 2014, we were told that 80 per cent of deaths in Barbados were due to chronic NCDs, and just recently, most of the sudden deaths were attributed to this cause. Furthermore, we hear constant complaints about the high cost of public health care (estimated at almost $252 million for 2016-17).
Only last Friday, the NATION reported Minister of Health John Boyce as saying the emphasis must be placed on the prevention and control of diseases by use of sound nutritional practices, and that the management and prevention of these diseases continue to be a national priority.
Why then would Government seemingly encourage consumption of turkey and chicken wings which, according to the Australian Chicken Meat Federation, are mainly fatty skin (31 per cent) and bone, with very little lean meat (seven per cent) and probably one of the least nutritious parts of the chicken, while at the same time imposing a tax on sweet drinks supposedly to encourage us to reduce sugar intake and improve our diets? Wouldn’t it make more sense to ban the chicken wing imports?
To give a bit of history of the chicken wing situation. As far as I recall, as far back as the 1980s when I was a member of the then Barbados Marketing Corporation (BMC) board, and maybe even further back, a certain quota of chicken wings, backs and necks was imported by BMC, supposedly to satisfy the protein needs of the lower socio-economic group, but not adversely affect the local poultry industry.
At that time, these items were cheap. In addition, obesity and NCDs didn’t appear to be so widespread. Over the years, the prices have risen, and wings can no longer be considered a “poor man’s food”. This rise in price has been triggered by a US “buffalo wing” fad, resulting in an increased demand for wings by fast food outlets, cocktail party caterers, roadside food vendors and so on.
In spite of all the information known about the connection between dietary fat and NCDs, people are still clamouring for chicken and turkey wings, with statements being made by supposedly educated people that “you must satisfy the consumer”, apparently even if in so doing you’re assisting with their demise.
Of course you still hear that poor people can’t afford whole chicken, so you must have wings available.
Recently I did a survey of chicken prices in a large supermarket. Bulk chicken wings were $16.99 per kg, more expensive than drumsticks which were $15.99, thighs $13.75 and whole chicken $11.64. The argument of the “poor man’s food” can therefore no longer be used.
You sometimes have to protect people from themselves. So let’s hope that this notion of “satisfying the consumer” won’t stretch to the much-discussed decriminalisation of marijuana as has been done in Jamaica. As Richard “Lowdown” Hoad noted in his last column, this has resulted in drastic increases in the numbers of people having to be treated for the effects of marijuana use. Hopefully, our government won’t follow this worrying worldwide trend.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart was recently quoted as saying that the island’s economic gains will mean nothing if there is social dysfunction in communities, and that despite a drop in the unemployment rate or growth in the foreign reserves, it would be “like spinning top in mud” if there continued to be “a complete breakdown” in domestic relationships.
I agree, and similarly, if authorities’ words about NCDs don’t match their policies, we will be “spinning top in mud”.
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent senator. Email [email protected].
