California Goes Trans Free!

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 253

Monday, July 28th

California continues to set food trends by becoming the first state to ban the use of trans fats in all restaurants. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Friday to phase out the use of trans fats in restaurants (cafeteries, delicatessens, bakeries) by the year 2010 and in retail baked goods by 2011 (pre-packaged products will be exempt). The state had already banned the use of trans fats (and junk food) in all school cafeterias, now adults can reap the benefits of trans fat free diet, too. This is great news for the public as trans fats have been linked to a variety of health concerns, especially obesity and heart disease. According to a New York Times interview with Dr. Clyde Yancy, incoming president of the American Heart Association, "just a 2 percent increase in trans-fat intake could result over time in a 25 percent increase in the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease".

The restaurants in California seem split about the new law. Some high-end restaurants would never dare to use trans fats in their recipes as it would be equivalent to using paper plates instead of fine china. Other restaurants are worried the ban will be costly because there are so few distributors of alternative cooking oils. One restaurant interviewed thought the price of their french fries would increase about $1.00.

Thankfully California residents will be looking toward a healthier future and be a leader in health and wellness for the rest of the nation to follow.

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