The Food and Drug Administration is considering a ban on artificial trans fats, which the federal agency says are no longer generally recognized as safe in the nation’s food supply. Wisconsin Restaurant Association executive vice president Susan Quam says it may take a few years before a ban is put in place, but she does expect it to happen eventually.
Quam says many Wisconsin restaurants have already moved away from using the artery clogging oils that contain artificial trans fats. However, she says many products still commonly used in restaurants do contain them. Those can include pre-baked goods, anything deep fried, and even coffee creamer. If a ban is put in place, Quam says restaurants will probably adapt by looking to saturated fats to help with their cooking needs.
AUDIO: Susan Quam (:15)
Quam says the announcement earlier this week was a surprise to many people. She notes that the industry has already been voluntarily making the transition from using trans fats over the past several years.
Rick Schuh, WHBY