California – First U.S. State to Ban Trans Fats

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill on Friday to ban the use of trans fat oils in restaurants in California. While other cities in the U.S. have banned the use of trans fats, California is now the first to have a statewide ban. Restaurants will need to phase out trans fats by 2010, and retail baked goods will be trans fat-free by 2011. Health advocates, including members of the American Heart Association, applaud the bill as trans fats have been linked to health issues including coronary heart disease. Some restaurant owners, however, worry about the higher cost of other oils. Still others believe that a ban is not necessary because many restaurants, including fast food chains, have or will go trans fat-free because of mounting public pressure. Where do you stand on the ban?

In my opinion, I think regardless of whether a city or state has a ban or doesn’t have a ban on trans fats, there needs to be continued and intensified efforts to better educate the public about what’s in the foods that they eat so they can make informed, healthy food choices.

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