Philadelphia Set To Ban Trans Fats

(AP)  Philadelphia is set to become the second large American city to ban restaurants from serving trans fats, which doctors say increase the risk of heart disease.

The City Council approved the ban unanimously Thursday, and Mayor John F. Street is expected to sign it. The measure would prohibit restaurateurs from frying foods in trans fats or serving trans fat-based spreads beginning Sept. 1. By Sept. 1, 2008, trans fats would be banned in all other types of food prepared in Philadelphia eateries.

Doctors say trans fats — listed on food labels as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil — can raise bad cholesterol and lower healthy cholesterol.

New York City has a similar ban on trans fats that is also scheduled to be phased in between July 1 and July 1, 2008.

Some chain eateries and institutions — such as Starbucks and university dining halls — have already done away with trans fats or sharply reduced their use.

Philadelphia's ban will be enforced by the Health Department, but it does not include penalties for violators. The ban will not apply to prepackaged foods sold in city stores and eateries.

[gaye5]

anopinion1 although I dont have the problem that these poor people to, and I agree with you in regards a large portion of people, there are others out there who althought sugar has not proven to be addictive they are sort of addicted to this stuff... Salt and sugar is very addictive but in a different way to herion etc, and the food companies know this or why would they put sugar and salt in foods which dont need them... I was horrified to see the amount of these items being put into foods that didnt need them as when I cook these foods the recipe does not require sugar or huge amounts of salt... I feel taht perhaps they are seductive and make people feel better

[anopinion1]

think mcfly!!!!!!!!!!!

How flipping pathetic are people that cant stop eating this food. The fact the gov. came in and banned the fat just shows how dumb people can be.

If you are 250+ lbs smoke daily and ate fast food to get that fat then wow man its your own fault not the mcdonalds around the corner for your poor health.

not that this ban is a bad thing it just makes you try to figure out why the heck someone 350 lbs is still eating mcdonalds fast food nearely every day.

[caravan300]

America needs an oil change; FDA has been lying to us for decades as they are in the deep pockets of the soy and corn industries. Use olive oil, or much better yet, coconut oil which is not even stored as fat... FDA has lied in the past about coconut oil. Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on the planet! And we thought the FDA worked for us! Check the science.

[rray52]

I hope they exempt Cheesestakes