Very recently, our Nanny State government and FDA mandated that all food manufacturers must cease the use of "trans fats" by 2018, when the substances essentially become illegal. This is a disgusting overreach of power by the FDA, and hilarious to boot, when one considers the fact that the FDA used to push trans fats as a savior and healthier alternative.So, here we are, with the government backtracking on its previous claims and forcing Americans to stop eating a substance. The substance very well might be unhealthy (as of now) according to studies, but it isn't something that will instantaneously kill anyone, and it tastes delicious.Shouldn't it be up to the individual to choose whether or not to partake?Of course it should.Many health conscious Americans are already spurning trans fats for the most part. I know I do, but once in a while I like to indulge...and that should be my choice and my right. The government feels it must step in, however. But do they have the right or do they even need to intervene?News broke this week about General Mills being the latest manufacturer to remove artificial ingredients  from its products, which seems to paint the picture that government intervention is unnecessary. From USA Today:

General Mills ( GIS) said Monday that it will phase out artificial flavors and colors from all of its cereals by 2017. The announcement is the latest from an ever-growing group of food retailers vowing to ax artificial ingredients, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Panera, Kraft Foods Group and Subway."We've continued to listen to consumers who want to see more recognizable and familiar ingredients on the labels and challenged ourselves to remove barriers that prevent adults and children from enjoying our cereals," said Jim Murphy, president of General Mills cereal division, in a statement.Packaged-food companies are losing market share and seeing revenue fall as consumers turn toward brands known for less processed, simpler, more authentic food. Many companies are trying to draw back customers' attention by redoing products with fewer complex ingredients and taking stands against additives like antibiotics in meat.

What's that you say? That's the free market working? And it didn't need a Nanny State government using coercive force to push changes through via expensive and liberty-crushing regulations? Someone slap the sodium benzoate out of my mouth, because I'm in shock!This is how it's supposed to work, and how it does work, as long as the government keeps its ever extending reach far, far away from the marketplace. Supply, demand, education and CHOICE. That's how liberty happens in business.Have anything to add? Come on by and discuss in the The Lions of Liberty Forum on Facebook!The Lions of Liberty are on Twitter, Facebook & Google+Check out our YouTube Channel!Receive access to ALL of our EXCLUSIVE bonus audio content – including “Conspiracy Corner”, “Degenerate Gamblers” and the “League of Liberty Podcast” by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride and supporting us on Patreon!