It seems Chicago is heading back to the front page of the national newspaper. Shortly after imposing a ban on foie gras we're hearing rumbles about a trans fat ban. I've read a couple of stories about it but always come away unsure what exactly the ban would include. Trans fats could be crisco and even animal fats. Would the ban be just synthetic trans fats? Just plant-based trans fatty oils?
What would this mean to people who choose not to eat meat or dairy? Almond butter or nuthin?
www.bantransfats.com, a non-profit against hydrogenation says this:
For all vegetable oils and soft, spreadable (tub-type) margarines sold to consumers or for use as an ingredient in the preparation of foods on site by retailers or food service establishments, the total trans fat content be limited by regulation to 2% of total fat content.
For all other foods purchased by a retail or food service establishment for sale to consumers or for use as an ingredient in the preparation of foods on site, the total trans fat content be limited by regulation to 5% of total fat content. This limit does not apply to food products for which the fat originates exclusively from ruminant meat or dairy products.
I don't think this is the ban and I'd be really curious what that means for retail foods. If Chicago wants to do something about its relative fat-ness, I would think the place to start is in schools and grocery stores. Restaurants are a luxury and I think should be the last bastion of a bad choice. The key is making people aware of the bad choices they make. At least all the press about the fat-ban will do that.
I know the stuff's not healthy, but this is ridiculous. Hunter Cashdollar Arlington
Posted by: Hunter Cashdollar Arlington | September 28, 2006 at 03:48 PM