Californian trans fat ban takes effect

California has become the first state to ban the use of trans fat-containing cooking oils, as a law signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2008 came into effect on January 1. The new Californian law means that all oils, margarines and shortenings used in frying must contain less than 0.5 percent trans fat per serving. Food manufacturers and restaurants that violate the legislation face fines of up to $1,000. The ban was signed into law in July 2008, but was not put into practice until the beginning of this year in order to allow manufacturers time to reformulate with alternative fats and oils. Exceptions to the state-wide ban include baked and deep-fried items, with manufacturers having until 2011 to switch from artificial trans fats. Bans have also been implemented in several cities, including New York City and Philadelphia, as well as parts of Maryland.