NYC Board of Health Approves Regulation to Phase Out Artificial Trans Fat

New York City's Board of Health has approved an amendment to the Health Code to phase out artificial trans fat in all NYC restaurants and other food service establishments.

The phase out will be in two stages:

Phase 1: Restaurants will have until July 1, 2007, to make sure that all oils, shortening and margarine containing artificial trans fat used for frying or for spreads have less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. Oils and shortening used to deep fry yeast dough and cake batter are not included in the first deadline.

Phase 2: By July 1, 2008, all foods containing artificial trans fat must have less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. Packaged foods served in the manufacturer's original packaging are exempt.

The Chinatown Partnership will be working with businesses to ensure that the transition away from trans fat is accomplished smoothly in Chinatown.