Scots blacklist haggis
sullied through its association with the likes of chicken nuggets
and turkey twizzlers in a newly published government report.
The Nutritional Guidance for Early Years, which was released on Monday, said that like burgers and hot dogs, haggis should only be served to youngsters once a week because of its high fat and salt content.
The national celebrity status of the dish, made from offal, oatmeal, onions, and spices, has not saved it from being blacklisted.
The guidelines were introduced by Scotland's deputy education minister Robert Brown as part of a plan to improve the health of pre-school children, which have largely been welcomed by nutritionists.
Scotland has one of the worst health records in the developed world, along with the lowest life expectancy in the UK. Men in Glasgow can expect to live an average of 69.3 years, according to recent government figures.
Health initiatives have increasingly targeted children as a way of instilling good dietary habits early.
"We welcome the Scottish Executive's healthy eating initiative," said Ronnie Hill, director of children's services regulation for the care commission. "We believe the new guidelines will help all those involved in providing day care for children to improve the quality of food that is on offer."
But haggis makers are not particularly happy with this assessment of the dish. They argue that a good haggis is made from only natural ingredients, and that it should not be associated with heavily processed products that contain all sorts of artificial additives and preservatives.
Of course, the new guidelines are specifically targeted at children, and the authorities should perhaps be applauded for addressing the dietary problem in Scotland by setting out sensible guidelines.
"Haggis is tasty but due to fairly high salt and fat content, young children should only indulge in moderation," said a Scottish Executive spokeswoman.
In any case, it's Burns Night tonight. Scots, ex-pats and haggis aficionados across the globe will be sitting down tonight to remember Scotland's favourite poet, Rabbie Burns, and indulging in his favourite bite. So if you're planning on tucking into haggis, tatties and neeps, ensure that your whisky is a quality single malt for the complete experience.
And don't forget your lines.
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! Aboon them a' yet tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy o'a grace As lang's my arm.
