Last night, the Boston Public Health Commission made the first step to ban the artery-clogging trans fats citywide. Regulators voted unanimously to preliminarily approve the ban that would start by the end of the year, reported the Boston Globe.
The Boston trans fat ban would come after New York City’s ban, which has been an easier transition than many thought.
New York City has been an admirable model for health — as the first city to ban trans fats and prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants.
For the health regulators in Boston, the case for banning trans fat is clear. They didn’t disagree that trans fats are bad for public health and should be out restaurants, stores, bakeries, and delis.
“There is no need to have artificial trans fat. It’s just bad. ” said Anne McHugh, project director of the Boston Steps program to fight obesity, diabetes, and chronic diseases.
The proposed trans fat ban will be up for another approval in the spring, and a final go-ahead can put the ban into effect by November.
The first step of the ban would eliminate partially hydrogenated oils in frying oils and margarine. A second phase would prohibit bakeries from using lard and other unhealthy ingredients.
“It seem[s] to be what people want, ” said Carol Downs, general manager of the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes. “I think it’s a good move by the city. ”