Juan Ramos To Whip Us All Into Shape

Today, City Council will debate Councilman Juan Ramos’ bill banning trans fats in the city.

Trans fats are unhealthy artificial products that restaurants like to use because it gives products a longer shelf life. What they shorten the shelf life of is, ahh, your actual life. New York City recently ordered an eventual ban on trans fats, but that hasn’t stopped people from saying Philadelphia should take “the lead” on the issue: “If Philadelphia banned trans fat, that would send a signal to other cities to do it through legislation, do it through the health department ordinance, but let’s get the job done to protect the public’s health.”

The trans fat ban wouldn’t effect Twinkes and Ho-hos and other similar delicacies, but would ban trans fats from McDonald’s, Starbucks, Wendy’s and the like. Earlier this week, St. Joe’s banned trans fats from its dining halls.

It seems likely the ban will pass. And then we can all go to Burger King and order one big healthy double whopper with extra mayo.

Update, 2:35 p.m.: A City Council committee unanimously approved the trans fat ban, giving restaurants until Sept. 1 to comply. Fortunately, any place you might actually want to go to will hopefully already have moved past using trans fats.

Trans Fat Bill [Phila.gov]
Phila. City Council Considering Trans Fat Ban [KYW 1060]
Dec. 15: City Councilman Pushes For Trans Fat Ban