Baked goods containing trans fats will be banned in California as of 2011.
With this law, California became the first state in the nation to phase out the use of trans fats. In 2004, the 18 restaurants in the Bay Area town of Tiburon voluntarily stopped using trans fats in their cooking oils, making it the first American city to go trans fat-free.
New York City followed suit with a trans fat ban that began on July 1, 2008 with a three month grace period.
"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," Governor Schwarzenegger said today. "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 governor signed bill AB 97 authored by Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, a Norwalk Democrat.
"This is more than just legislation this is a call to action that takes into consideration the health of our families," said Mendoza. "We are taking a risk when we consume food and products that contain trans fats; this is an invisible and dangerous ingredient that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure - it had to be eliminated."
The type of fat these potatoes are fried in makes all the difference to heart health. (Photo courtesy FryTest)
California businesses will have a window period to transition to healthy oils and products that are trans fat free or face fines that range from $25 to $1,000.
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