FitFrying.com - News Brief

This special news section highlights current issues affecting the frying/restaurant industries.

2008

Boston Restaurants Have Succeeded in Eliminating Trans Fats

The trans fat ban in Boston has been in effect for three months and inspectors have found 99% compliance by restaurants visited. Of the 1,625 restaurants, 8 establishments received warnings, 1 restaurant has received a fine. The ban will expand to doughnuts and cakes on March 12, 2009.

A Roundup Of The Top News Stories in Diet and Food from 2008

There was a large focus on menu labeling and trans fat in 2008. New York City paved the way with requiring chain restaurants to list calories on menus. California also approved a bill that would make calorie counts available on menu boards, in addition to, being listed with other nutrition information on printed menus. Philadelphia passed the strictest menu labeling law that would require restaurants with 15 or more locations to disclose calories on menu boards and other nutrition information on printed menus. Lawmakers in Washington State have also proposed a couple of options to provide nutrition information to the public.

The New York City ban of trans fat expanded to baked goods, doughnuts and other fatty treats in July. Also in July, California became the first state to ban trans fat, which must be removed from restaurants by 2010 and from bakeries by 2011. The American Medical Association has also stated that it would support a nationwide ban in an effort to reduce the number of those suffering from heart disease.
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In A Tight Economy, Food Industry Examines Cooking Oil Option For Cost Savings And Efficiencies

Cottonseed oil is one of the few oils that offer a trans fat-free option, in addition to, resistance to flavor reversion. It is considered a cost-effective solution because of its extended shelf and frying life. Restaurants owners can expect cottonseed oil to last 10-15% longer than other oils.
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Food Label Reading Made Easy And Speedy

A quick and easy way to tell if a food is healthy is to look at the ingredients. By using the percentage daily value, one can quickly see if it is a healthy option. For fat, sodium, and cholesterol one should aim for 5% or less daily value, and avoid foods with 20% or more daily value. For total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals one should aim for foods containing 20% or more daily value. One should also consider calories per serving size. When looking at ingredients, one should avoid partially hydrogenated oils, which are trans fat.

How Bad For Me Are Partially Hydrogenated Oils?

Trans fat is also known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fat and oils. Trans fat raises LDL cholesterol (bad) and lowers HDL cholesterol (good), increases the heart disease marker Lp(a), increases blood clotting and increases inflammation. The American Heart Association suggests limiting the daily intake to less than 1% total calories, which for a 2,000 calories diet is 2 grams.
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Policies with added weight

States are continuing to take steps to fight obesity through bans and menu labeling restrictions. The elimination of trans fat in New York City may be complimented with a new tax on sodas and sugary drinks in an effort to reduce the consumption of the beverages. New York Governor David Patterson has stated that the New York will continue to take more drastic measures to help combat obesity.

Time is Ripe: New Era of Food Regulation is Possible

Food manufacturers and restaurants have given state and local governments criticism as laws have been adopted to ban trans fat in New York, Philadelphia and California, in addition to, measures that require menu labeling. As a result, many big chain restaurants are beginning to remove trans fat from their foods nationwide, and some restaurants will also be labeling their menus by January 1, 2011.

The Top 10 Food Stories of 2008

he New York City ban of trans fat makes the list at number 9. Also, mentioning that New York City restaurants with more than 15 locations nationwide must post calorie information.

Kasier Permanente Eliminates Use of Trans Fat Two Years Ahead of New State Law

Kasier Permanente has removed trans fat from all its southern California facilities two years before the deadline established in the new state law. They feel by doing so, they are doing their part to protect individuals’ health.

Menu Calorie-Counts a Step Forward

Menu labeling is being credited for helping parents make better-informed food decisions for their children. By posting calories, studies have shown that the public uses the information to reduce calorie consumption, and by showing trans fat, carbohydrates, saturated fats, sugar and sodium the public and parents are able to make even healthier food choices.

Clemens, Slavin Appointed to 2010 Dietary Guidelines Panel

As the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Committee starts reviewing current scientific and medical evidence to recommend revisions for the 2010 guidelines; there has been discussion about how the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Committee brought more awareness to trans fat. The addition to the dietary guidelines created widespread media c

Cut Up the Fruit and Can the Deep Fryers – Healthy Eating for Kids

With obesity being the number one medical condition nationwide, the Chicago school district has been making changes to the types of food offered to their students. They have eliminated trans fat from all menu items, in addition to, eliminating whole milk and deep fryers.
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Bill Bans Trans Fats From Texas Restaurants by 2010

State Senator Eliot Shapleigh has filed a bill that would eliminate trans fat in Texas. The bill will be introduced at the legislative session in January. It would eliminate trans fat from restaurants beginning in 2010 and in baked goods in 2011.

New Study Finds Not All Fats Are Created Equal

A study has found that not all fats have the same effect on weight and disease. Eating trans and saturated fats can boost the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Consuming mono-unsaturated fats can actually be good for your heart.
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City of Montreal Wants to Become Trans-Fat Free

The Tremblay administration plans on making the Montreal area trans fat-free by asking the Quebec government to limit or ban trans fat in restaurants and bakeries. If accepted, Montreal would be the first city in Quebec to be trans fat-free.

California Cities Repeal Menu Ordinances in Light of State Law

With the adoption of a statewide menu labeling requirement, the California cities of San Francisco and Santa Clara have decided to repeal their city ordinances that require menu labeling. Officials have stated that with a statewide initiative, the city ordinance is no longer needed.

Lawmakers Reject Bill to Ban Trans Fats in Schools

A bill that would have banned trans fat from schools in Illinois was met with strong opposition. House Representatives feel schools have too much to worry about and will be burdened with additional costs; in addition, to some feeling that the decision should be decided on a more local level.
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Doughnut Giant Still Using Dangerous Fats in Australia

Krispy Kreme has been trans fat free in the United States for about a year, but the Australian Krispy Kreme locations are still using 100% vegetable oil shortening for frying. The present labeling laws in Australia do not require trans fat to be identified, and allow for trans fat to be listed as part of the beneficial unsaturated fats. Krispy Kreme of Australia is working towards developing alternatives to the current preparation methods, and plans on making an announcement in the first half of 2009.

Friendly’s Is Using Trans Fat-Free Oils

Friendly’s started the year with the goal of phasing out trans fat, and has now announced their menu is officially trans fat-free. They are using a monounsaturated canola oil product, which will provide their customers with healthier versions of their favorite foods.
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U.S. Menu Labeling May Be Gaining Steam

A nationwide menu labeling law, which would require fast food chains to list calories on their menus, is gaining support in Congress. Many cities and states have adopted legislation that requires restaurants to list nutrition information on menus and menu boards in an effort to support weight control and reduce rising rates of obesity.
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Dining Halls Free From Clutches Of All Trans Fats

Eastern University in St. Louis, joins other Illinois schools in eliminating trans fat from its dining halls in an effort to benefit both students and faculty this semester. They are using a trans fat-free oil that also reduces saturated fat levels and is preservative free. The oil is a combination of corn and sunflower oils.
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Trans Fats Ban To Be Considered By Texas State Legislature

A bill will be introduced in January that would eliminate trans fat in prepared or served food in Texas food service establishments. The two exceptions are: deep frying yeast dough and cake batter, and food in its original manufactured packaging.
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Bake Sales Fall Victim to Push for Healthier Foods

Bake sales in schools are decreasing nationwide as increased school nutrition standards are implemented. Kentucky currently has the strictest standards for school nutrition, and California has continued to implement stricter standards since July 2007. Nationwide there are 500-600 school districts that have policies that limit the amount of fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar in items served and made available to students.
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AMA Acts Against Trans Fats, Texting While Driving

During a semiannual meeting, the American Medical Association has agreed to support state and federal initiatives to ban artificial trans fat from restaurants and bakeries.

Learn to Fry Online

Frymaster will launch a website, Fitfrying.com, as a resource for restaurant owners and operators, which will provide nonbiased and reliable information about healthy frying practices. The industry-wide partnership members are: Bunge Oil, ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Dow AgroSciences, The Soyfoods Council, and The Idaho Potato Commission.

Local Restaurants Ready For Ban

Cape Ann is joining Boston, Brookline and Cambridge in the elimination of trans fat in Massachusetts. Legislation has been introduced to both chambers of the legislature, and upon approval with the governor’s signature the law would eliminate trans fat within a year. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association has not opposed the move by the state.

Philadelphia Passes Strongest Nutrition Labeling Requirements For Chain Restaurant Menus

The Philadelphia City Council has passed a menu labeling requirement that will go into effect January 1, 2010. All restaurants with more than 15 locations will be required to display calories on menu boards, in addition to, displaying calories, saturated and trans fat, sodium, and carbohydrates on printed menus.
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School Board Bans Junk Food

The Bluewater School District is taking action to reduce trans fat consumption, obesity and type 2 diabetes in students by implementing bans on pop and deep fryers. The pop ban will be implemented February 2009, and the deep fryer ban will be implemented September 2009.
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Clayton Schools Ban Junk Food

Clayton County School Districts have banned junk food. The move is a result of the USDA threatening to withhold 40% of the county’s funding, which provides 74% of the meals in the district. Pizza and fried chicken are allowed at lunch as long as they are not served every day.
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SJ: Supes Repeal County Menu-Labeling Law To Avoid Confusion With State Law

Santa Clara County officials decided to repeal an ordinance that would regulate menu labeling for restaurants with more than 20 locations statewide in an effort to show support for a statewide menu labeling ordinance. The Senate Bill is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2009.

Calories Do Count

Counting calories is gaining momentum, and restaurant and food companies have taken notice. Many restaurants and food companies have had to change their recipes and portion sizes due to consumer demands. The hope with posting calories is that consumers will reduce their daily calorie intake, which should result in reduced rates of diabetes and obesity. Presently, there are two proposals in Congress that would make posting calories uniform nationwide.
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Hopes for new labeling program to become industry standard

The Smart Choices Program will introduce front of the package nutrition labeling. The nutrition criteria used includes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other documents accepted by science. To qualify for the Smart Choices Program products cannot exceed the ‘nutrients to limit,’ which includes trans fat.

Top Nutrition Trends for 2008

According to a survey just released from the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Americans are showing more awareness about the food they are consuming. The consumption of trans fat continues to be at the top of the list for additional reductions.
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2009 Zagat American’s Top Restaurants Survey Is Out

The 2009 Zagat survey has shown that consumers are making more health conscious decisions when eating out. Presently, 65% of those surveyed agreed that trans fat should be banned.

Nashville Restaurants May Join Other Cities in Posting Calorie Counts

Nashville is in the process of requiring restaurants with ten or more locations nationwide to display the calorie content of menu items to combat the obesity epidemic that effects more than 60% of the states’ population. The policy would go into effect on January 31, 2009 with a 90-day grace period.
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Burger King® Restaurants Now Using Trans Fat Free Cooking Oils as Part of BK Positive StepsSM Nutrition Program

Burger King is using trans fat-free oil in restaurants across the nation. By November 1, 2008, all Burger King’s natural ingredients are to contain zero grams of artificial trans fat. The restaurant chain has stated that even though they are using another type of oil, customers can still expect the same great taste.

Chick-fil-A, Burger King Stop Using Trans Fat Oil

Chick-fil-A and Burger King both announced they have eliminated artificial trans fat from their menu items. Most of Chick-fil-A’s menu items have been trans fat-free since the first restaurant was opened. For the remaining items, the restaurant chain has been working for the last two years to make those items trans fat-free also, which is expected to be complete by the end of this month.
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Calif. Requires Menus to Detail Nutrition

California has become the first state to pass legislation that targets chain restaurants (20 or more locations nationwide) to list nutrition information on their menus by 2011. Menu labeling is expected to help consumers make healthier food choices, and to help combat the obesity epidemic.
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Yum! Brands Praised for Adding Calorie Counts to KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell Menu Boards

Yum! Brands’ will be listing total calories for each menu item in response to health conscious consumers.
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Pregnancy and Trans Fats Warning

A study from the Jewish Hospital Cholesterol Center in Cincinnati, Ohio has concluded that women who consume large amounts of artificial trans fat during pregnancy are at a higher risk for experiencing a foetal death.

NYC Cuts Fat, Salt, Sugar From City Meals

New York City is setting the bar in nutrition trends in an additional area. The city has established food standards, which will require less fried foods and salt, and will increase the vegetable and fruit consumption by city agencies in places such as schools, senior centers and jails. The move is expected to phase out fryers. Vendors are given six months to implement the needed changes.

Trans fats Now Banned in Boston Restaurants

The trans fat ban in Boston has created conversation among state health authorities about making the ban statewide. State health authorities feel that to make it a statewide trans fat ban the Legislature has to rule on the issue.
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Some Texas Schools in a Deep-fried Dilemma

In 2004, the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy began regulating what was served in school cafeterias. The Department of Agriculture also announced that schools were to remove deep fryers. Most schools in Central Texas have complied; however, there are 14 schools that have yet to remove the fryers. Some of those schools have applied for an extension that would go until August 1, 2009, and if compliance is not met by that date the schools will begin to lose their federal funding.

Study Adds Colon Cancer to List for Trans Fats’ Harm

Research suggests that high consumption of trans fatty acids contribute to an increased risk of colorectal tumors.

County’s Zero Trans-Fat Legislation Makes Eating Out Healthier

King County officials are pleased that more than 99% of restaurants have been following the trans fat ban of partially hydrogenated oils, or trans fat, and spreads with more than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. During inspections this past summer only 10 restaurants were found in violation of the ban.

Bid To Ban Trans Fat Statewide Gets a Boost

Massachusetts may soon become trans fat-free. Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach supports the ban but will need to look into whether his agency has the regulatory authority to impose such a ban.
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LA Blocks New Fast-food Outlets From Poor Areas

Los Angeles has passed an ordinance that prohibits the establishment of new fast food restaurants in the southern section of the city for one year to encourage healthier restaurants to be introduced. This action is in response to the obesity epidemic that is seen in this section of the city.

Calif. Becomes 1st State to Enact Trans Fat Ban

California is the first state in the country to ban trans fat. The law signed by Governor Schwarzenegger will phase out trans fat in restaurants beginning in 2010 and from baked goods in 2011. Food sold in manufacturer-sealed packages will be exempt.
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Trans Fats Falling Under Voluntary Guidelines But Pastries Remain a Problem

Fast-food chains are credited at reducing their trans fat content under voluntary guidelines; however, the producers of baked supplies have been failing to reduce the levels as recommended. If the reductions do not take place, strict regulations will force them to make the changes.

New York’s Trans Fat Ban Moves to Final Stage

Today marked the implementation of the final stage of New York City’s trans fat ban. Many restaurants have not only eliminated trans fat, but have also reduced the levels of saturated fats. The website notransfatnyc.com has been established for service professionals as a resource as questions arise.

NYC: No Trans Fats in Restaurants as of July 1st

New York City has required the removal of artificial trans fat from all menu items served by July 1, 2008. The only exception is items in sealed packaging from manufacturers.

Trans Fat Substitutes to Offer Diet Therapy

Trans fat will be replaced with healthier alternatives to alter the course of disease or illness in many individuals. A new trend is including essential fatty acids, i.e. omega 3, and other natural lipids into commonly used products.

Mass. House Approves Statewide Trans Fat Ban; Senate Up Next

The Massachusetts House has approved legislation that would prohibit the use of artificial trans fat statewide.
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It’s Smart to Know The Skinny About Fat

There is a lot of confusion about fat, and the American Heart Association (AHA) has launched two campaigns to help consumers distinguish between good and bad fats. The ‘Better Fat Sisters’ was launched this year to encourage the use of mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats. Last year the AHA launched a campaign called the ‘Bad Fat Brothers’ to help consumers understand the negative health impacts from trans and saturated fats.

Goodbye Trans-fat Fries: MCD’s, Cooked in New Oil, but ‘Same Great Taste,’ CEO Says

All of McDonald’s signature fries are now trans fat-free since changing to canola oil. The company is currently working on making their cookies and pies trans fat-free by the end of this year.

Survey: Food Quality seen as significant factor in building customer loyalty

Despite abundant advertising based on the excellence and freshness of mealtime specialties, diners are defecting from many restaurant brands out of frustration with poor food quality, according to Denver-based Restaurant Marketing Group’s 2008 Leaky Bucket Survey. Under RMG’s methodology, a restaurant’s “leak size” is the percentage of customers who are unlikely to eat at the restaurant again. Loyalty was noted to be driven by the consistency of experience diners have and consistent food quality was high on the driver list.

Illinois Officials Question Ban on Trans Fat

There is much discussion among school officials about the costs associated with a proposed trans fat ban. Officials agree there are good intentions of eliminating trans fat, but are unsure of how they are going to address the costs.

Ontario Passes Law Banning Trans Fat From Schools

Ontario has required the elimination of trans fat from school systems. Only products with minimal natural trans fat will be allowed. The ban has begun in the elementary schools and will be expanded to the high schools.
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State Senate Passes Ban on Trans Fat in School Lunches

Legislation to eliminate trans fat in Illinois schools is awaiting the House vote. The ban would go into effect in July 2009. The Illinois Association of School Boards is opposed to the legislation, and feels that it should be left up to individual schools to decide.

Cancer: Trans Fat May Increase Breast Cancer Risk

A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology claims that high consumption levels of trans fat increased a woman’s’ risk of breast cancer.
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Stamford Bans Trans Fats in City Restaurants

The governing board of Stamford has banned trans fat in restaurants effective July 1, 2008. The one exception is items that can be found in the manufacturer’s packaging.

NYC Postpones Calorie-Posting Rule

New York City has postponed requiring calorie content on menus until April 15th due to a challenge by a restaurant trade group. A ruling is expected in the near future.

Health Officials Look to Eliminate Trans Fats

In a recent survey, 18 percent of Nashville’s restaurants still used trans fat. If improvements are not made through education, Nashville may join the list of cities that have banned trans fat.
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City OKs Ban on Trans Fat

The Baltimore City Council unanimously voted to ban trans fat from prepared food. The ban, which would take place in Fall 2009 applies to any establishment where food is prepared for sale, including restaurants, delis, and fast-food chains. Packaged food in grocery stores and vending machines are excluded.

Friendly’s Plans Switch to Trans-free Oil

Friendly’s has begun switching to trans free oils. The initiative began in 55 of its restaurants, and is expected to be implemented in all locations by fall of 2008.
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County, Restaurants Strike Deal on Menus

King County officials and the Washington Restaurant Association have come to an agreement about menu labeling. To be effective January 1, 2009 restaurants with more than 15 locations must list total calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sodium. All restaurants must be completely trans fat-free by February 2009.
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Trans Fat Study Up For Md. Debate

The Maryland House of Delegates is considering a statewide trans fat ban. A study is due to get underway to see if a statewide ban is necessary. While the Restaurant Association of Maryland supports the study, it opposes the ban.

S.F. Supes Require Posting of Nutrition Info

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted a law requiring nutrition information to be posted on restaurant menus. The hope is that consumers will begin making healthier food choices. It has been argued that those who choose to eat fast food are not label readers and will continue to not read the labels even though the information is provided.
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Baltimore City Council Passes Trans Fat Measure

The Baltimore City Council unanimously approved a bill aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease among Baltimore residents. This ban will prohibit products with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, such as shortening or margarine.

Not All Trans Fats Are Equally Risky

Two studies have been conducted examining industrial trans fat and naturally occurring trans fat. The findings in both cases showed overall cholesterol levels were raised; however, the findings with the industrial trans fat had increased bad LDL cholesterol levels, whereas the naturally occurring trans fat had no negative effects on cholesterol.
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City Council Panel OKs Ban on Trans Fat

The City Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee voted to advance a bill to the full council that would ban trans fat in restaurants. The ban’s chief sponsor, City Councilwoman Agnes Welch, cast the measure as part of a larger crusade to reduce childhood obesity.

Conflict on the Menu

Obesity experts are criticizing New York City’s new law requiring restaurants with 15 or more locations nationwide to list the total calories per serving next to menu items. Experts claim that it may initially guide patrons to decide to eat lower calorie foods, but there is an increased chance that they will be left hungry and will splurge later resulting in a higher consumption of calories.
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Va. Senate Backs Phaseout of Trans Fats in School Food

The Virginia Senate has voted to phase-out trans fat in foods sold in the public school systems. The state superintendent is going to develop guidelines for the elimination. There is no set deadline, but the Senate has stated they will follow up to ensure that progress is being made. Trans fat policies around the state vary by each school district, and if a statewide ban were to occur it would take time to fully implement.
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S.F. Targets Artery-clogging Trans Fat

"The San Francisco Board of Directors voted to voluntary eliminate trans fat in restaurants. The Department of Health is drafting up rules and regulations for the voluntary mandate. The next step being considered is making the elimination of trans fats mandatory.
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Target Archer Farms Food Brand Eliminates Added Trans Fat

Target’s Archer Farms brand food has worked many months to be the first national label to cut trans fat from every item. Archer Farms provides affordable healthy food options to its consumers.

Councillor Proposes Trans Fat Rules for Winnipeg Restaurants

A city councillor member in Winnipeg is introducing a ban on margarine and cooking oil with more than two percent trans fat beginning January 1st, in addition to, requiring restaurants to declare the value of trans fat in items served. Some restaurants have voluntarily already made the change.
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Krispy Kreme Gets Rid of Trans Fat

Krispy Kreme announced that they are now serving products with zero trans fat. They felt the need to go trans fat-free when fast food and other restaurants were doing the same.

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