Gov. Schwarzenegger signs law banning trans fats in restaurants, Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times (Jul. 25, 2008).
“California became the first state to require restaurants to cook without artery-clogging trans fats, such as those in many oils and margarines, under restrictions signed into law Friday by the health-conscious governor. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a physical-fitness advocate and crusader against obesity, sided with legislators who said the measure would help get the fat out of Californians who are too dependent on fast food.”
"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," 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. . . .”
Under the new law, most California eateries must stop cooking with all but small amounts of trans fat by 2010. The California Restaurant Association opposed the legislation, but voiced confidence that members will meet the deadline. A copy of the law is
available here.California is seen as a leader in this matter, and it they are successful, we may seen the law copied by other states. However, I wonder if some form of restaurant nutrition labeling, particularly saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and calories, might have been more effective in promoting better health. “Trans fat free” does not mean healthy.
