California Is First State to Ban Trans Fats
By JENNIFER STEINHAUER
LOS ANGELES — California became the first state in the nation to place a ban on trans fats in restaurants and retail baked goods Friday when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill to phase out their use over the next few years. Under the new law, the artificial fats must be excised from restaurants beginning in 2010, and from all retail baked goods by 2011.
New York City passed a regulation banning the fats in 2006, and the law became fully effective on July 1. Philadelphia, Stamford, Conn., and Montgomery County, Md., have passed similar laws.
“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,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “Consuming trans fat is linked to coronary heart disease, and today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California.”
The bill, which would end the use of oils, margarine and shortening containing trans fats to prepare foods in restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens, cafeterias and other businesses classified as “food facilities,” was written by Democratic Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, who represents an area in southern California with a large number of fast food restaurants.
Violations would incur fines of $25 to $1,000. Food sold in manufacturer-sealed packaging would be exempt.
California, a frequent public policy bellwether, may well lead the way toward other state-wide bans, which are being considered in over a dozen other states. Such bills are usually opposed by restaurants and their trade groups.
Trans fat has been found in scientific studies to increase bad cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease, contribute to other diseases, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is California’s leading cause of death.
California, which supplies a great deal of the nation’s specialty crops and other goods, already has some of the toughest food restrictions in the nation, including a ban on junk food, and on trans-fats in school meals.
A ban in the nation’s largest state is likely to push many national restaurant chains to alter their menus. Already, Wendy’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, the Cheesecake Factory and McDonalds have begun to move away from trans fats because of consumer concerns.
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