The Politics of Trans Fats
Will California's Trans Fat Ban Have Any Effect on Citizens' Health?
Following New York City’s lead, California’s hotshot governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger has just signed a ban on trans fats into law. It takes effect in 2010.
This, plus labeling requirements for packaged foods, ought to end the practice of partially hydrogenating vegetable oils. My prediction? Trans fats are soon to be a thing of the past. This should have happened a long time ago, as there are plenty of substitutes.
So the big question is whether the disapperance of trans fats will have any effect on health. I hope it helps reduce the risk of heart disease but nobody should expect it to help people maintain weight. Whatever substitutes get used will have the same number of calories.
Why are New York City and California doing this? Because it might do some good and is politically expedient. Getting vending machines out of schools, stopping marketing to children, and getting everyone on bicycles is a lot harder.
Marion Nestle
Noted author Marion Nestle is a Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University. She is the author of What to Eat.read full bio.
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What To Eat: Expert advice on food, health and nutrition issues that are in the news.
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Marion Nestle writes about her strong arguments in favor of public awareness ... read more.
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