The New York City
department of health is implementing a new anti-trans fat program in the city.
It had earlier formulated new rules to stop use of trans fat in hotels and
restaurants. In the first phase restaurants were asked to refrain from using
frying oils. The new regulation will now cover previously excluded items such
as baked goods, frozen foods, and doughnuts. Restaurants and bakeries will be
given a three month grace period to comply with new health rules. After that a
fine of $2,000 will be imposed from October 1.

Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that is formed when
hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. Manufacturers do this practice to increase
its melting point and artificially extend a product’s life. Trans fat does not
provide any health benefit. Frther explaining trans fats, Dr. Sonia Angell,
director of the cardiovascular program in New York said, "Transfat confer
absolutely no health benefits, there is no role for them in the food supply,
they're dangerous and totally irreplaceable, making it the key reason why it's
possible to eliminate them completely and make the same tasting products just
by using products that don't contain artificial transfat."

Trans fat is a major cause of heart diseases in world.
Almost 20,000 people were died in New
York from coronary heart due to trans fats in 2006.
Popular franchises like Dunkin Donuts eliminated trans fats from its doughnuts
in October this year. The company began experimenting with replacement oil in
2003 and tested 28 different substitutes. Dunkin Donuts sold 50 million trial
doughnuts in secret to see customer reaction but no one noticed any change.

The ban has not been completely successful from health point
of view. Many chefs have simply turned to palm oil which is as harmful as trans
fats. Health department has also warned the rest of word against the use of
such fats.