Under a new state law California will become the first state to ban trans-fats from being used in restaurants beginning 2010, and from all retail baked goods by 2011. It's only been in the last decade that anyone knew anything about the health issues tied to trans-fats, and as they are widely used they have become a controversial subject for the food industry.
Where the Trend Began
New York City was the first city to ban trans fats from restaurants, Philadelphia and Stamford, Connecticut are among the other cities that have also enforced this ban, but California will be the first state to take on this challenge, which could pose to be a difficult one as California is one of the most populous states in the country, and has over 88,000 restaurants.
Why Trans-Fats are Used
Trans-fat are created through a process commonly known as partial hydrogenation, where hydrogen is pumped into liquid oil at high temperatures. The reason this process is commonly used is because trans fats are an inexpensive way to give food a longer shelf life. According to a New York Times article published on July 28 2008, the process is favored by many fast food restaurants as they say it helps make cooked food crisp and flavorful.
The Effects of Trans-Fats
According to the American Heart Association, "trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fats increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It is also associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Which Foods Have Trans-Fats
There is a wide number of foods that contain trans fats, the Federal Drug Administration created a list of major food sources of trans fats for American adults; 40% of consumed trans fats were found in cakes, cookies, crackers, pies, bread, etc. Animal products makes up 21% of trans fats consumed, margarine 17%, everyone’s favorite fried potatoes makes up 8%, popular snacks; potato chips, corn chips and popcorn make up 5%, salad dressings 3%, and breakfast cereals 1%.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
The percentages of trans-fats are alarming, but there are ways to avoid trans fats simply by reading the label, in January of 2006 the FDA made it mandatory for trans-fats to be included in the nutritional facts label, and with the awareness of trans-fats spreading many food manufacturers are removing trans-fats all together.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a statement issued to The New York Times said, “California is a leader in promoting health and nutrition , and I am pleased to continue that tradition by being the first state in the nation to phase out trans fats... and today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California."
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