Aug 04 2008
So Long Trans Fats in Calif.
Beginning in early 2010, California will be the first state to ban restaurants from using trans fats, which have been linked to coronary heart disease, strokes, diabetes and obesity.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a new law, Assembly Bill 97, recently that directs restaurants to stop using trans fats by January 2010, and for bakeries to follow suit one year later. Those in violation of the law will be subject to fines ranging from $25 to $1,000.
AB 97, which was proposed by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, does not apply to trans fats in packaged goods sold in stores.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administratino says that trans fats are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, a process called hydrogenation, which also increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods.
Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, El Pollo Loco and Denny’s have all proactively committed to fully or partially eliminating their use of trans fats.
As for the rest, 2010 is right around the corner.

Green Festival™ hits Washington, D.C., November 8 & 9 at the Washington Convention Center, and San Francisco, Calif., November 14, 15 & 16 at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America, is akin to a walk through a sustainable community.
The festival features more than 125 renowned authors, leaders [...]
If you’ve ever contemplated going vegan, now’s the time during World Go Vegan Days, which started October 25 and run through October 31.
Created by In Defense of Animals (IDA), World Go Vegan Days is an annual event to educate people about the vegan lifestyle. During World Go Vegan Days, IDA encourages people to become conscious of what [...]
Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons (my wedding anniversary is in October, I love Halloween–scary movies in particular, we adopted our dog in October, the trees are pretty, the air is crisp and clean, etc.).
Plus, I start seeing one of my favorite types of produce in the stores this time of [...]
Don’t know beans about beans? Never fear!
Here’s a quick lesson on beans, which pack quite a powerful healthy punch (they are high in protein, and may also help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and obesity).
Kidney Beans (pictured above)
These red beans are often found in chili and contain almost as much antioxidant power as wild blueberries.
Navy [...]
Leave it to New York City to not only host one of the coolest foodie events ever, but also provide the backdrop for the ever-addictive “Top Chef” on Bravo.
But before we talk boob tube, let’s talk festival.
Thursday, October 9, through Sunday, October 12, The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival takes a [...]