August 11, 2005
First tobacco was banned from New York City restaurants and bars. Can unhealthy food be far behind?
Perhaps not, as the New York City Health Department has urged restaurants operating in the city to stop serving foods that contain trans fats, which nutritionists say are not good for the heart.
Trans fats are made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and at one time were considered to be a healthy alternative to natural fats like butter. Today, nutritionists see them as one of the leading causes of obesity and heart disease.
"To help combat heart disease, the No. 1 killer in New York City, we are asking restaurants to voluntarily make an oil change and remove artificial trans fat from their kitchens," Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the city's health commissioner, said.
The health department said it would not seek to ban the ingredient, at least not yet. Instead it says it has begun a public educational campaign denouncing trans fats. Department officials say restaurants, their suppliers, and their customers all need to recognize the dangers.
The Food and Drug Administration has found that there is no safe level of trans fats in a healthy diet and is requiring all food companies to include trans fat levels in labeling information starting Jan. 1, 2006.
