What did the Board of Health approve regarding trans fat?
On March 3, 2008, the Board of Health approved an amendment to the County Sanitary Code that phases out the use of artificial trans fat in all food establishments that the Albany County Department of Health inspects and licenses. The phase out will take place in two stages. First, on January 1, 2009, the food establishments must make sure that all oils, shortening and margarine containing artificial trans fat used for frying or for spreads have no more 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. Second, by July 1, 2009, no food containing “partially hydrogenated” vegetable oils, shortening or margarine with 0.5 grams or more of trans fat per serving may be used, served or stored by food service establishments. Foods served in the manufacturer’s original sealed packaging, such as a bag of chips or a package of crackers, are exempt.
