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• Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that is most often artificially synthesized and added to many foods. Due to the health effects of trans fat, it is starting to be banned from many restaurants and food products in the United States. However, there is quite a bit of controversy regarding the use of trans fat.

• Fast Facts

  1. Alternate names: Trans fatty acids, hydrogenated fats
  2. Fat type: Unsaturated fatHealth Canada: TRANSforming the Food Supply
  3. Origin: Mostly man-made UMMC: Trans Fats 101
  4. Increases the risk of heart diseaseUMMC: Trans Fats 101
  5. Raises bad cholesterol (LDL)UMMC: Trans Fats 101
  6. Lowers good cholesterol (HDL)UMMC: Trans Fats 101
  7. Occurs naturally in milkHealth Canada: TRANSforming the Food Supply
  8. New York City banned it in 2006
  9. Required on food labels by FDA in 2006UMMC: Trans Fats 101

• Common Sources

  • Cookies
  • Potato chips
  • Crackers
  • Margarine

• States Where Ban Is Enacted

  • California
  • New York (similar but not same as CA)

• California Ban

  On July 25, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger became to first to signed a law, banning trans fat in restaurants across the state of California. The ban requires restaurants to begin phasing out the use of trans fat oils by July 1, 2010. After 2010, any restaurant that still uses trans fat as an ingredient can be fined up to $1,000.Los Angeles Times: Schwarzenegger Signs Law Banning Trans Fats in... (July 26, 2008)

• Disclaimer

  The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on the health effects of trans fat.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Trans Fat Controversy | Trans Fat Ban | Trans Fat Ban California | Swine Influenza

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