On Tuesday, New York City's Board of Health effectively banned artificial trans fats in restaurants throughout the city. By July 1, 2007, fried foods will be trans fat-free, and by mid-2008, baked goods will also lose their trans fat. According to the Boston Herald, Boston is considering a similar move, with a decision coming in February 2007.
But will it make a difference? Jumbos were unsure of how they felt about the new policy. Sophomore George Denfield thought that banning trans fats might actually harm the people who are most in need of help. "My first reaction [upon hearing about the ban] was that it's an interesting measure to promote good health," he said.
Denfield pointed out, however, that poverty plays a large role in obesity. "I'm wondering if [the ban] will make fast food more expensive," he said. "That's the only kind of food [impoverished people] can afford."
Senior Ken Kitchin lamented the changes in restaurant prices and taste that will result from the ban. "The prices will probably go up in New York City, and of course, french fries will be less delicious," he said.
But Kitchin was unsure of how much impact the ban would have on public health: "It's hard to say [if it will affect public health], because it's just one variable," he said. "It's not like smoking, where there is clearly one thing going on."
Sophomore Claire Hollocou thinks that while restaurants may stop using trans fats, that doesn't mean that food will automatically be healthier. She believes, however, there is a positive side to the ban. "There's a lot of other stuff [restaurants] can combine instead of using trans fats. What makes the biggest impact is that this ban will create a demand for cheaper, healthier fats," she said.
One student pointed towards the American mindset as the real issue. "I think that the problem with the American food system is our culture. If you want fast food, you get something unhealthy," freshman Nick Burns said.
Burns, who recently spent time in Thailand, noticed a different fast-food mentality abroad: "In Thailand, if you want fast food, you get a well-balanced meal," he said. "In other countries, you don't have to go out of your way to eat healthy."
Several students suggested alternative ways to improve public health, either in addition to or in place of banning trans fats. "In general, there could be more public health campaigns on TV promoting a healthy lifestyle," Denfield said.
Kitchin believed that the attention paid to the trans fat ban could work to increase consciousness about trans fats: "Maybe this would raise public awareness," he said.
Burns suggested another option: "If it can be proven that obesity is a significant drain on the American health system, the government could impose taxes on foods that the FDA deems unhealthy as a disincentive," Burns said.
Hollocou summarized student opinion, saying that though the ban isn't necessarily a bad idea, it might not be the right one: "It is important for the government to make an attempt like this because of the obesity epidemic, and this is a good step in the right direction - but it's not exactly the right step," she said. "The government needs to push companies for cheaper, healthier things."
