NEW YORK, NY September 26, 2006 —The City Health Department says it can’t make people eat better foods, but it can help them eat a little less badly – by banning all but miniscule amounts of trans-fats at restaurants. WNYC’s Fred Mogul reports on a proposed change to the city health code.

REPORTER: Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden says people will still order French fries, and they’ll still get overweight, or even obese, but they shouldn’t be unknowingly subjected to artery-clogging trans-fats.

FRIEDEN: It’s hazardous, it’s replaceable, and no one will miss it, when it’s gone.

REPORTER: Americans consume almost 5 pounds of trans-fats each year on average – in oil, margarine, peanut butter, baked goods and ease shelf life. Trans-fats increase shelf life – but they also increase the chances of heart disease. The city asked restaurants to eliminate trans-fats voluntarily a year ago, but almost none have done so.

The proposed law is receiving praise from health and nutritional advocates. A spokesman for the National Restaurant Association says it is an expensive and unnecessary intrusion by government that his group may challenge in court.