Regulations on Trans Fats in New York Making an Impact - as part of the news series by GeoBeats.
Regulations that began in 2008 to limit the amount of trans fats that are allowed in food served at restaurants in New York City have proven to be a success. The restrictions do not allow for food prepared with more than half a gram of trans fat to be served and bans any food made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Comparing the receipts of customers in 2007 to those in 2009, the results showed that people consumed almost 2 and a half grams less trans fat after the regulations took effect. Several of the fast food restaurants that participated in the changes include “McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, KFC and Pizza Hut.”
The researchers report about the outcome of the changes in regulation states: "Given that one-third of calories in the United States comes from food prepared away from home, this suggests a remarkable achievement in potential cardiovascular risk reduction through food policy.” Many restaurants fought the ban on trans fats saying that their food production costs would go up but they were able to meet the restrictions by limiting their portion size and changing their menu choices.
