The City Council took the next step in protecting the health of Philadelphians yesterday by approving a bill that bans trans fats from almost all foods in restaurants across the city.
The first part of the bill will take effect Sept. 1, when restaurants will no longer be permitted to fry foods using trans fats-based oils or use trans fats-based spreads.
By Sept. 1, 2008, trans fats will be banned in any and all other types of eateries.
Pre-packaged foods will be the only goods exempt in the ban.
Food will be defined as trans fat-free, according to the bill, if they contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.
The ban - sponsored by Councilman Juan Ramos - represents a national shift against the artery-clogging fats; New York City has already banned trans fats, and 19 states are considering doing the same.
