All restaurants in Hollister must be trans fat-free by 2010, and
by 2011 all bakeries will need to do the same. Failure to comply
will result in fines ranging from $25 to a $1,000.
HOLLISTER
California is set to become the first state to ban trans fats in food products, giving local restaurant owners a reason either sound off or tout their use of healthier cooking oils.
“It is possible to have local, healthy, tasty choices,” said County Health Officer Liz Falade.
All restaurants in Hollister must be trans fat-free by 2010, and by 2011 all bakeries will need to do the same. Failure to comply will result in fines ranging from $25 to a $1,000.
Trans fats are in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that extend the shelf life of many products. They have been proven to raise the level of bad cholesterol while lowering the level of good cholesterol in the body resulting in an increased risk of heart problems.
Falade noted how the FDA in 2006 started requiring labeling on packaged food so consumers can make informed decisions.
“That’s not the case with restaurants,” she said. “The only way consumers know in an eating establishment is if they directly ask.”
Many local restaurant owners declined to comment, but some such as Ellen Fu of Cheung Sheng Chinese Restaurant and Matt Hart of Jerry’s Restaurant were eager to point out they don’t use the harmful stuff.
“My parents, when they opened 21 years ago, always said that what was unhealthy for their bodies was unhealthy for their customers,” Fu said.
“No MSG, only vegetable oil, and most food is stir-fried rather than deep-fried.”
Hart said he already had switched a while back, noting that all of Jerry’s food was made there rather than purchased, so much of the problem was eliminated through choice.
“At some point when they put the legislation in place, I’ll go over everything with a fine-tooth comb,” Hart said. “But I don’t think there will be much to do.”
Other local restaurant owners contended the law is invasive and unnecessary.
Take Charisse Tyson of Johnny’s Bar and Grill said she almost always buys vegetable oil, but that sometimes the supplier is out and she gets the trans fat oil.
“That law is invasive,” she said. “They act like we are idiots. California is becoming like a communist state with them telling us what to do.”
Tyson said she will do what she can, but that the legislation is “going to hurt everyone’s bottom line.”
“They sure don’t make it easy. California is a tough environment for small business owners, especially in this county.”
Falade has a different take. She said the job of public health agencies is to institute change that results in longer, healthier lives – and that people who are informed will appreciate someone is looking out for them.
“What I hope to see locally is fewer heart attacks, strokes, less diabetes and fewer obese children,” she said. “We would like to see people in Hollister have healthier choices.”
