Trans Fat Is the New Cigarette – Packaged Food Companies and Fast Food Chains Have Reputations In Crisis!
“If you removed trans fat from the planet, the only people who would feel the difference are the people who sell the trans fat.” Commented Dr. Steen Stender, one of the leading Danish experts who lobbied for the anti-trans fat law in Denmark. According to the Associated Press, two years ago, Denmark declared war on artery-clogging oils, making it illegal for any food to have more than 2 percent trans fats.
Offenders now face hefty fines — or even prison terms. The result? Today, hardly anyone notices the difference. The french fries are still crispy. The pastries are still scrumptious. And the fried chicken is still tasty. Denmark’s experience offers a hopeful example for places like Canada, Chicago and New York City, which are considering setting limits on the dangerous artery-clogging fats. Trans-fatty acids typically are added as partially hydrogenated oils to processed foods such as cookies, margarine and fast food. They are cheaper to produce than healthier oils — such as canola, corn or olive oil — and give foods a longer shelf life.
