California Bans Trans Fats

If you read my blog trans fats back in June, it will be no surprise to you that the recent news about California banning this terrible substance made me a very happy girl.

Just a few days ago, California became the first state to require restaurants to cook without artery-clogging trans fats. As a previous resident of the state of California (while Arnold was governor), I feel very proud that someone is finally taking a stand against this silent killer.

Restaurants rely so heavily on trans fats because they help to preserve flavor and add to the shelf life of food, but who cares when they are strongly linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes? I am hoping that California is starting a domino effect and that other states will soon follow (hopefully New York will be next!).

Here is a list of chains that have fully or partially eliminated trans fats (or committed to doing so), prior to the passing of this legislation:

• Carl's Jr. (plan to eliminate all trans fats by the beginning of next year)
• Wendy's
• El Pollo Loco
• Mimis Cafe
• KFC
• Burger King
• IHOP
• Applebee's
• Starbucks
• Subway
• Taco Bell
• Denny's
• Panera Bread
• Red Lobster
• Olive Garden

Typically, the establishments that will be most affected by this ban will be ethnic restaurants and bakeries, as they rely heavily on ingredients that contain trans fats.

The ban requires that eateries must stop cooking with all but small amounts of trans fats by 2010.

Note from Ceri...

Hello everyone :)

I just wanted to post a note saying thank you to the people who are still checking out my blog. Between being extremely busy at work and going on vacation (where I had no internet access - it was fabulous!), I have been slacking around here lately. But I'm back! So please keep checking in for new posts. If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment on this blog and I'd be happy to answer them!