California Begins Trans Fat Ban At Restaurants

Sacramento, CA (AHN)-Following the lead of cities like New York and Philadelphia, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation on Friday banning the use of trans fats in restaurants throughout California.

The new legislation, Assembly Bill 97, proposed by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), makes California the first state to implement a state-wide ban of trans fats in restaurants and prohibit other "food facilities" from using oil, margarine and shortening containing trans fats. Despite strong opposition from Assembly Republicans and the California Restaurant Association over AB 97, which the group called a "very narrow and misleading approach to a much larger health issue," the bill garnered enough support to withstand defeat and was signed by Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday. In a written statement released by the Governor's office on Friday, Schwarzenegger praised the legislation for "taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California." "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," Schwarzenegger said.

The new legislation requires restaurants to stop using trans fats by Jan. 1, 2010; bakeries and baked goods sold in the state are expected to follow suit one year later on Jan 1, 2011. Violations of the trans fat ban could result in fines ranging from $25 to $1,000.