It seems California will emerge as the most eco-cum-health conscious state worldwide when a consensus would be drawn for green & healthy cities! First the city adopts a green building code and within days of that announcement comes this one that, trans-fats are now banned in California. Processed via hydrogenation of liquid vegetable oils, trans- fats (solid product) are labeled as the culprits behind increasing number of CHD (coronary heart disease) patients.

Governor Schwarzenegger has announced that the new legislation employed henceforth is a “strong step toward creating a healthier future” and that it will take effect in 2010.

Trans-fats are used extensively in the baking industry for frying and baking processed foods like cakes, pastries, muffins, doughnuts (the average American’s breakfast-lunch-dinner and in-between snack option!). Hot chocolate preparation also uses trans-fat to some extent. According to US Food and Drug Administration, Americans (on average) consume 2.14kg (4.7lb) of this trans-fat which is affecting their health in form of increased heart diseases (by increasing ‘bad’ cholesterol levels) and rapidly increasing child-obesity. The latter pushes the risks of getting affected by ailments like diabetes even further up among kids!

Thankfully, the scenario is going to change now for as per the new legislation, any violation will incur strict fines between $25 (£13) and $1,000 (£502).
The use of trans-fat has been hotly debated for its unhealthy side effects in scientific circles from quite some time now but they are continued to be used because they are cheap, have a neutral flavor, add bulk to products, and most importantly give products a long shelf-life.

While I am glad to read about this development in California, my heart goes out for the Indian situation which perhaps is worse in terms of consumptions of trans and hydrogenated fat. We Indians are fond of eating traditional sweets made out of desi ghee! But with increasing consumption in festival season, marketing & business strategies and increasing corruption most of these desi ghee sweets are actually prepared in Trans-fats like Dalda..:(  The results are evident: the number of heart patients and diabetics has sharply increased in our country. I don’t know when we will see any such legislation in our country for the officials in food administration body are busy lending  support to chewing gums than worry about public health (sigh)!

Via: BBC