Why is the Albany County Department of Health concerned about trans fat?
The amendment to the Sanitary Code was passed in response to Resolution No. 237, dated May 14, 2007, of the Albany County Legislature, that requested the Albany County Board of Health and the Health Commissioner to require all food service establishments to phase out artificial trans fat. One way the Department of Health protects and promotes the health of its citizens is by assuring the safety of food served in restaurants and other food service establishments within its jurisdiction. Trans fat in food is dangerous to health, unnecessary, and won’t be missed. Eliminating trans fat and replacing it with healthy alternatives may reduce the occurrence of heart disease and heart attacks. While many nutrition issues affect health, the Department of Health is acting now on trans fat because this significant threat to heart health can be eliminated through simple measures.