California Is First State to Ban Trans Fats
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the one and only
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From: Govenator Territory
California Is First State to Ban Trans Fats
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 most populous 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.
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 most populous 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.
hreally:
I
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From: Westside til I die
This is one of our better ideas.
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un-Touch'd krew
Joined: May 2001
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From: My own level of hell
No it isn't
It is up to the consumer to decide what foods they wish to eat and if they want to eat trans fat prepared foods then so be it, it is none of the governments business in the least.
It is up to the consumer to decide what foods they wish to eat and if they want to eat trans fat prepared foods then so be it, it is none of the governments business in the least.
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"I'll keep my money, guns and freedom. You can keep the "Change."
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CBOTY 2010
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: MI
more and more the gov't dictates our daily lives to us .... yet people are totally ok with it for some reason
pukimonster
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Milwaukee, WI
I disagree. Unless you're being sarcastic.
Removing the trans-fats from foods will alter the taste and consistency of foods, wether it be for better or worse. Although trans-fats are slightly worse than other types of saturated fat, they are an essential part of certain types of fried/baked foods. I think that consumers should be controlling their own diet, rather than the government stepping in and making many different foods illegal...
Removing the trans-fats from foods will alter the taste and consistency of foods, wether it be for better or worse. Although trans-fats are slightly worse than other types of saturated fat, they are an essential part of certain types of fried/baked foods. I think that consumers should be controlling their own diet, rather than the government stepping in and making many different foods illegal...
I
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Westside til I die
Trans fat is fucking terrible.
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