Last Updated on February 6, 2022
New York City recently banned trans-fats in its restaurants. The health-conscious are applauding the effort, citing the dangers of trans-fats when it comes to clogging arteries. The less-than-health-conscious aren’t all that pleased, claiming that that the Big Apple’s decision is effectively stripping the flavor out of their food.
Trans-fats, say experts, can not only raise harmful cholesterol levels, but lower the good cholesterol. They are found in everything from some salad dressings to baked goods to margarine. Trans-fats were once thought to be a safer alternative to saturated fats, which were blamed for just raising harmful cholesterol. Saturated fats, which are found in things like milk, butter and fatty meats, might end up making more of a return to our dinner plates if trans-fats are given the heave-ho.
The subject of the new Patrick’s Place Poll is whether or not the government should get into the business of what we eat at our favorite restaurants. Do you applaud this effort to force us to eat healthier (and possibly help reduce soaring obesity-related health costs), or should we be allowed to eat what we want when we want, with restaurants facing no constraints in terms of what they serve?
Vote now!
I suppose it is easier for NYC to hamper the profit margins of restaurants than to go after the bulk sellers of trans-fat items, namely grocery chains and convienence stores. It’s all a bunch of Socialist crap. If you eat junk, you die sooner. Period. I can’t wait for the lawsuits to begin against the manufactuers, ala tobacco. It’s all about the money.
I agree that we should all avoid trans fats, but I have a problem with their use being prohibited by law…. Where does it stop? Are animal fats next? What about fried foods…
Since my husband’s quad-heart-bypass in April, trans-fats are totally banned from our house (not an easy task). However, I don’t think the government should be in charge of what we eat.