Legislator Wolfe Applauds Federal Consideration to Eliminate Use of Trans Fats

New City, NY (November 12, 2013) – The Vice Chairman of the Rockland Legislature Alden H. Wolfe is applauding a move by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that has the potential to eliminate most trans fats from U.S. food supply.  The FDA has made a preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils, the major source of trans fat, are no longer generally recognized as a safe food additive.  Food prepared with trans fact creates certain health risks by increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.  

In 2011, the use of trans fats in food items prepared or served in Rockland County food service establishments was eliminated upon passage of the Rockland County Healthy Heart Act, a Local Law introduced by Vice Chairman Wolfe.  At that time, the American Heart Association issued a memorandum in support of Wolfe’s law, and it now wholly supports this move by the FDA.

“I am pleased to say that we were well ahead of the curve in recognizing the need to eliminate this health risk,” said Vice Chairman Wolfe.  “I am encouraged that this action by the FDA has the potential to eliminate trans fats from food products throughout the nation.  Although many restaurants and food manufacturers have already made the move to alternative products in an effort to provide healthier fare to their patrons and consumers, others fail to recognize the health risks.  Federal restrictions on the use of trans fats will eliminate a considerable public health concern and consumers will be secure in the knowledge that they are no longer unwittingly ingesting these unhealthy additives.  I hope that the FDA’s final determination will be in favor of eliminating trans fats from America’s food supply.  ”