Last year, strict rules were introduced by Britain’s Ofcom (broadcasting watchdog) that banned junk food companies from advertising their products during times of the day when children were likely to be watching television. The move was an attempt to cut down on the growing problem of childhood obesity. However, Ofcom used the Food Standards Agency (FSA) definition of junk food –- any product that had high levels of fat, salts and sugar per 100 grams.

This meant that lots of food, including Marmite, honey, most breakfast cereals, nearly all dried fruit, and many fruit juices were banned from being advertised! Apart from a small alteration to the complicated definition, 97 per cent of the products that were banned last year will have to remain off television screens during children’s programmes. The only products given a reprieve are a range of cereals including Weetabix Weetos and Oatiflakes, Quaker oat granola, and Kellogg’s Special K Sustain. Some crisps are also being allowed back.

But the day before the ban was enforced, a drinking spree ensued in the Tube! And you thought Londoners are uptight?? Think again! Hehe! =) According to reports, police were kept busy as people using London’s Tube took advantage of the last night that drinking alcohol was allowed in the underground train network. Revellers held rowdy parties inside train carriages late Saturday in a city that has gained a reputation for reckless binge drinking — and now the new mayor’s attempts to curb public rowdiness. Police responded to reports of vandalism by closing six stations and arresting 17 people.

Six assaults were reported on staff members and police said intoxicated revellers damaged several trains. YIKES! Many partygoers wore elaborate costumes, including some men who dressed up as beer bottles to enjoy a final drink before the ban went into effect at midnight on all of London’s public transit systems. At Monument station, a group of men wore platinum-blond wigs and business suits as they dressed up as Mayor Boris Johnson, who vowed during his election campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour. You go Mayor! =)

What the?? And as you might have guessed, this stupid banning happened in UK again. Sheesh! According to reports, school entrepreneurs who won a competition with their home-made soup have been told to hand back their prize – because their ingredients were “too fresh”! In the latest example of health and safety madness, pupils of Penwortham Priory Sports and Technology College in Preston, Lancs, were disqualified because their dish did not have a three-month shelf life.

Goodness! I really don’t get it! The judges would rather have a food full of bad preservatives just that it will have a long shelf-life?? o_O The students were also accused of breaking rules by growing their herbs, using organic veg and touching the ingredients. The school’s head teacher Jim Hourigan is refusing to hand back the trophies after winning the final. He described the ruling by organisers Young Enterprise UK as “absurd”. SO RIGHT!

The Korean government has suspended the sale of Italian mozzarella cheese on March 22, following reports that water buffalo milk, the main ingredient of the cheese in question, contains high levels of cancer-causing dioxin. A notice at a cheese shop in Seoul informs customers of the suspension in the sale of mozzarella cheese made from Italian water buffalo milk on March 23. Will other countries follow suit? Stay tuned!

In case you haven’t seen it (though it’s a year old so maybe you have), here’s the “banned” Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich commercial that it’s creator claims he created but was not approved by the client. He says Wendy’s has nothing to do with it but we’re sure the food company quietly smiling over the videos growing popularity Go watch, it’s really cool!

Nothing funny or sexy in the video.. Just an FYI that the brand of toothpaste in the video below has been recently banned in Singapore. This brand of toothpaste is readily available in hotels in China so BEWARE Chinese tourists!

Yesterday, fizzy drinks have been banned from ALL of Bahrain’s government schools. The ban has been in force at primary schools since 1996 but they now extended it to all schools. Health Ministry public health directorate senior nutritionist Dr. Nadia Gharib said,

“Over time, we shall have some issues with some students getting fizzy drinks from their homes or purchasing them from stores outside the school, but we are sure these will be sorted out soon. The ban was first imposed in the primary schools after it was felt that children were too much into fizzy and carbonated drinks, as opposed to juices, milk and water. Now it is felt the ban should be extended to cover all intermediate and secondary schools as well.”

She said the ban was being enforced by the Education Ministry at the recommendation of the Health Ministry. Dr. Gharib explained,

“The incidence of obesity being very high in Bahrain, it is felt that a beginning be made from the schools. Fizzy drinks, fast foods, people eating less vegetables and fruits and following sedentary lifestyles are all considered risk factors for obesity.”

I wonder what’s next? Mandatory eating of vegetables?? Ughh!

But, Absinthe lovers in the US, it’s time to rejoice! The notorious drink that has been banned in America since 1912 (holy sh*t! that’s nearly a 100 years already!), has finally been allowed back to the market! Woohoo! According to “rumors”, the drink has been banned because it causes seizures, blindness and even insanity. It is 60% alcohol by volume so you can just imagine it’s potency! The recommended number of Absinthe shots? TWO! That’s how potent it is.. But if you’re a thrill seeker then go ahead and try this one. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you! LOL! The video below shows a bit on how Absinthe is made, and how it is served in the past century. Go watch!

What the?? I was kinda shocked that elementary schools in Greenich, Connecticut are banning desserts from their cafeteria while in Miami, there’s a ban for wearing baggy/droopy pants in public schools and soon, in public spaces! Is this too much restriction on personal freedom?? I mean who cares about what you eat and what you wear right? So long as you don’t hurt others, US should be a “Live and let live” country. Watch the videos and see what the poor kids have to say about the ban!

BANNED DESSERTS

BANNED BAGGY PANTS