In a bid to curb heart diseases among its residents, New York has banned the use of artificial trans fats in all restaurants, including bakeries and all other types of food, beginning 1st July, 2008.

This move was applied on all restaurants last year but it now covers every public eating place. However, food prepared with artificial trans fats that are sealed in manufacturers’ packaging, like junk food, will still be able to continue to use it.

Image taken from Impact Lab

I think that this is an excellent move forward to eliminate the causes of coronary heart diseases. Instead of educating the public on what they could or could not eat, just remove the offending artery-clogging ingredient from the menu. That’s the easier, isn’t it?

New York was the first American city to adopt this move, followed by Philadelphia. I think all states should ban artificial trans fats. Food may taste better and crunchier but it reduces the level of good cholesterol in our bodies while raising the level of bad cholesterol.