Should trans fats be banned?NEWS FACT: On December S December: see month. , the New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. Board of Health voted to ban artificial trans fats from all New York City restaurants. It was the first time such a ban was adopted in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . Other cities and states are now considering a similar move. Over the next year and a half, New York City restaurants must stop serving foods that contain more than a half gram of trans fat per serving. Trans fat is basically vegetable oil treated with hydrogen. This changes the oil's composition, making it an unhealthy addition to our diets. Yet restaurant chefs and food manufacturers use it in everything from fried chicken Fried chicken is chicken which is dipped in a breading mixture and then deep fried, pan fried or pressure fried. The breading seals in the juices but also absorbs the fat of the fryer, which is sometimes seen as unhealthy. and salad dressings to cookies and doughnuts. Why? There are several reasons. Partially hydrogenated oil helps preserve food, is inexpensive, and provides a pleasing taste and texture. Some restaurants, including McDonald's, Starbucks, and Kentucky Fried Chicken, are already working to eliminate trans fat from their products. Wendy's is now using a healthier cooking oil for its french fries. Why then, many people ask, is government regulation necessary? "We would prefer to do this voluntarily," said Dan Fleshier, a spokesman for the National Restaurant Association. "Restaurants have been moving on their own in response to customer demand, and eliminating trans fats." What Do You Think? Should trans fats be banned from restaurants? YES The dangers of trans fats have been well-documented by scientists. So why put people's lives at risk needlessly? "We know trans fats increase the chance for heart attack, stroke, and death, and they don't have to be there," said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. The new ban is "going to make New Yorkers live longer and healthier lives." Jeremy Dreyfuss, 13, agrees that the ban is a good idea. Jeremy, who is in the eighth grade at Coleytown Middle School in Westport, Connecticut Westport is a coastal town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in the United States. The 2004 population estimate was 26,644. The town is as affluent as other expensive Fairfield County towns, boasting a per capita income of more than $70,000. , would also like to see a ban in his state. It is already possible to eat a healthy diet, he told JS. But he worries that some people will continue to eat trans fats as long as they are available. For these individuals, he said, "a ban would put an end to [unhealthy eating]." NO "It's a draconian dra·co·ni·an adj. Exceedingly harsh; very severe: a draconian legal code; draconian budget cuts. [After Draco. [severe] measure," one restaurant owner restaurant owner n → dueño/a or propietario/a de un restaurante told The New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Times, referring to the New York ban. "It's not our job as restaurant owners to always make the healthiest food choices under all circumstances." Morissa Schwartz, 13, agrees. "I'm totally opposed to it," she said. A seventh-grader at St. John Vianney School in Colonia, New Jersey Colonia is a census-designated place and unincorporated area within Woodbridge Township, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 17,811. , Morissa believes that banning trans fats will take a lot of the fun out of eating. "Trans fats are found in so many foods." she told JS. "If trans fats are banned, people won't like the food they are used to eating as much anymore." Morissa thinks that New York City's ban will hurt restaurants and, ultimately, the economy. People, she said, can make their own decisions about what to eat. "I don't think it's the government's job to decide what you should be eating." 
YES I think Trans fat should be banned,from everything,anywhere,but thats my opinion D: I changed the way I was eating almost 2 years ago (I'm 16 now),and I'm overjoyed at the way I feel, I've lost weight I'm sure,and I love what I eat,I KNOW I'm eating something thats GOOD for me,and wont harm me,How can trans fats be FUN to eat? It's disgusting,I believe if all restaurants banned trans fat it would be a much better place,Afterall,there are TONS of people who will not eat or go there because of how they prepare their food,Including myself,The only reason for someone to like eating that mess is because they are addicted to it,without even knowing it,that,and they don't think about how harmful it really is,sad,really. I can't stand when people actually enjoy eating things with that stuff in there,I will not eat anything unhealthy,Yes,I do miss some things,but it's well worth it,besides,I could make those things 100x better and healthier anyway,it's just more work,which is fine with me,I'd rather be healthy and know exactly what I'm eating then putting that crap in my body,it really will catch up to you,And you might not notice all the side-effects at first,but it leads to real health issues/problems,I'm trying as hard as I can to be healthy,I cut trans fats,any and all (Partially and fully Hydrogenated Oils) from me diet,along with High Fructose Corn Syrup,Most regular Corn Syrup,Nitrates/Nitrites,MSG,etc,I can't stand any of that mess,It's poison,Everytime you have it-think about what your doing to your BODY-Not your tastebuds,healthy food tastes great,Much much better imo,but as I said,most people are hopelessly addicted to the bad things in many foods,and they wont give it up for any reason,Your only hurting yourself,and in some cases,killing yourself,and it can be prevented! Help yourself,help your body! Take care of yourself,and cut those fats! |
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