A series of episodes ("Heart of the Matter", parts 1 and 2) broadcast in October 2013 which questioned the link between
saturated fat,
cholesterol and
heart disease, as well as the widespread use of anti-cholesterol drugs known as
statins, came under criticism from doctors and the
National Heart Foundation of Australia. The foundation estimates that in the wake of those episodes up to 55,000 patients may have stopped taking their medication, leading to a potential increase in heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. In May 2014 the ABC removed both episodes from its website, after an internal review found that the second episode (but not the first) involved one breach of ABC standards on impartiality and there was a problem of omission of important information. "Wi-Fried?", an episode broadcast in February 2016 featuring American epidemiologist
Devra Davis, courted further controversy by claiming that
electromagnetic radiation emitted by devices such as
mobile phones lead to an increased risk of
brain cancer in heavy users, contrary to the mainstream view that exposure to such emissions is largely safe. The show faced criticism from local experts, viewers and scientists disputing the episode's claims, with public health professor
Simon Chapman stating that "this is not the first time
Catalyst have aired a questionable episode, and there really needs to be a review of their editorial process". An investigation by the ABC's independent Audience and Consumer Affairs Unit found that the episode breached editorial policies standards on accuracy and impartiality, later leading to the withdrawal of the episode from the ABC website. The controversy led to the temporary suspension of reporter Dr.
Maryanne Demasi from the show and is the second time since
Heart of the Matter, Parts 1 and 2 to have breached editorial standards. It also led to the ABC reviewing the future strategy and direction of the program, leading to format changes for the following series. ==See also==