Ban Passes; Critics Decry Fanny State

The transfat ban passes:

The Board of Health yesterday unanimously passed a new rule banning trans-fat cooking oils and shortenings from all prepared foods in the city’s 24,000 restaurants over the next 18 months — making the Big Apple the first municipality in the nation to kick the trans-fat habit.

The ban was part of Mayor Bloomberg’s sizzling one-two health punch that hit the restaurant industry.

A second measure approved by the city requires fast-food restaurants to prominently list the calorie content of food items on menu boards.

The trans-fat prohibition goes into effect July 1, 2007, for trans-fat oils used in frying chickens and spreads, for example. Fines won’t kick in until Oct. 1.

Eateries that cook deep-fried dough and baked goods — such as donuts, pastries and cakes — will have to discard trans fat from their recipes by July 1, 2008. Fines won’t be issued until Oct. 1.

Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden said Gotham will now have the “safest food” in the nation, as well as the best-tasting — although critics worried it could drive the price up for consumers.

“Trans fat is a hazardous artificial chemical that increases bad cholesterol, decreases good cholesterol and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and death,” Frieden said after the vote.

“We need to get this artificial substance out of the food supply.”

Bonus money-following angle:

Meanwhile, the trans-fat ban was an early Christmas gift to companies that produce healthier cooking oils.

“We are increasing production capabilities and we are prepared for added business,” said Wilma Taylor, national sales coordinator for Whole Harvest Products, a firm that distributes trans-fat-free soybean oil.

“Have you thought about this? This is one way to improve someone’s health without even having to get up off the couch,” Taylor gushed.

The Canola Council of Canada also is eager to supply its brand of healthier cooking oils.

“We definitely expect that restaurants will be looking more closely at Canola as a solution. We . . . will react to the market as necessary,” said council spokeswoman Diane Wreford.