Published by admin on 29 Jul 2008 at 11:58 am
Trans-Fats Banned in the State of California
Photo courtesy of BBC News.
California is the first state to ban trans-fats from all restaurants and food retailers. Most restaurants in California (and around the country) have already stopped using trans-fats, however, fines between $25.00 and $1,000.00 will be given to those restaurants who violate this ban starting on January 1st, 2010.
Several studies have found that consumption of trans-fats is strongly linked to coronary heart disease, as well as an increase in the levels of “bad” cholesterol in our bodies. According to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), Americans consume an average of 4.7 pounds of trans-fats each year. Several cities across the U.S. have already banned the fats, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, and New York City.
Trans-fats are derived from vegetable oils, but are chemically altered to add flavor and bulk to foods. The process is known as hydrogenation, which turns liquid oil into solid fat. It is a cheap way to also add a much longer shelf-life to the foods. Trans-fats are mainly used in frying foods, but also in baking products, such as cake mixes.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was stated banning trans-fats from California is a “strong step toward creating a healthier future” (BBC News).
When is the rest of the U.S. going to jump on the ‘attempt to be healthier’ bandwagon?
