This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6210600.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
New York City to ban 'bad fats' 'Bad fats' ban in NYC restaurants
(10 minutes later)
New York City's Board of Health is expected to ban artery-clogging trans-fats from the city's restaurants. New York City's Board of Health has voted to ban artery-clogging trans-fats from the city's restaurants.
The city's health officials have for years warned that the fats can cause obesity and lead to heart disease.The city's health officials have for years warned that the fats can cause obesity and lead to heart disease.
Trans-fats go into partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is commonly used for frying and baking.Trans-fats go into partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is commonly used for frying and baking.
The city would be the first in the US to ban the fats, although the original strict deadline to comply with the ban is expected to be lengthened. The unanimous vote makes the city the first in the US to ban the fats, although the original strict deadline to comply has been lengthened.
Restaurants will be banned from using most frying oils containing trans-fats from 1 July, and will have to eliminate the fats from all foods by 1 July 2008.
'Unrealistic deadline''Unrealistic deadline'
Trans-fats are made when food processors harden fat to make it more like butter.Trans-fats are made when food processors harden fat to make it more like butter.
It can then be used for frying or baking, or put into processed foods and ready-made mixes for cakes and drinks like hot chocolate.It can then be used for frying or baking, or put into processed foods and ready-made mixes for cakes and drinks like hot chocolate.
The Food and Drug Administration estimates that on average, Americans eat 4.7lb (2.14kg) of trans fats each year. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that on average, Americans eat 4.7lb (2.14kg) of trans-fats each year.
The impending move has met with opposition from restaurant owners, who say the original six-month deadline to replace cooking oils and fats is unrealistic. The move has met with opposition from 24,000 restaurant owners in the city, who said the original six-month deadline to replace cooking oils and fats was unrealistic.
"We hope that the Board of Health will have significantly changed the original proposal, taking into consideration the concerns raised by 24,000 restaurateurs in New York City," said Sue Hensley, spokeswoman for the National Restaurant Association. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has defended the move.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg defended the move.
TRANS-FATS They are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, turning oily foods into semi-solid foodsUsed to extend shelf life of productsPut into pastries, cakes, margarine and some fast foodsCan raise levels of "bad" cholesterolEven a small reduction in consumption can cut heart diseaseThey have no nutritional benefit KFC cuts out clogging fatsTRANS-FATS They are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, turning oily foods into semi-solid foodsUsed to extend shelf life of productsPut into pastries, cakes, margarine and some fast foodsCan raise levels of "bad" cholesterolEven a small reduction in consumption can cut heart diseaseThey have no nutritional benefit KFC cuts out clogging fats
"Nobody wants to take away your French fries and hamburgers - I love those things too."Nobody wants to take away your French fries and hamburgers - I love those things too.
"But if you can make them with something that is less damaging to your health, we should do that.""But if you can make them with something that is less damaging to your health, we should do that."
For more than a year, there has been a voluntary programme for the city's 24,000 restaurants and fast food outlets to remove trans-fats from the food they serve. For more than a year, there has been a voluntary programme for the city's restaurants and fast food outlets to remove trans-fats from the food they serve.
Many American food makers and restaurant chains, including McDonald's and Taco Bell, have been experimenting with replacements for oils and foods that contain trans-fats.Many American food makers and restaurant chains, including McDonald's and Taco Bell, have been experimenting with replacements for oils and foods that contain trans-fats.
Chicago is also considering a law that would restrict use of trans-fats in large restaurants.Chicago is also considering a law that would restrict use of trans-fats in large restaurants.