New York Bans Trans Fats

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher Dec 6, 2006

Over the next 18 months, restaurants in New York City will have to phase out their use of artificial trans fats, making New York the first city in the country to institute such a ban.

Trans fats have been linked to a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The food industry has relied heavily on trans fats because they are cheap, and they make food taste good.

The new requirement forces restaurants to eliminate all by 0.5 grams of trans fats per serving.

Restaurants Must Post Calorie Counts Too

In another effort to fight the obesity epidemic, the Health Board also voted to require restaurants to post calorie information on menus and menu boards by March 1, 2007.

The catch: Only restaurants the currently make calorie information available to the public in brochures or other ways are required to meet the requirement. The Board estimates 1 in 10 restaurants will be affected.

Practically, that means you'll be able to see how many calories are in that Big Mac. But the fettuccine alfredo in that quaint Italian bistro? Forget it.