MSNBC reports today that the transfat ban was was passed in the Big Apple. By July of 2008, McDonalds, TacoBell, Uncle Vinny's Pizzeria, and even Grey Papaya, amongst the long list of food establishments in the city, will be mandated to eliminate the use of frying oils with trans fat content.
I am a non-discriminatory foodie; I can enjoy a tasty Angus filet Au jus, while also finding satisfaction in a post-ballgame sausage/sauerkraut sandwich. However, I have been pegged on some occasions as an exercise nut, which is probably stemming from the guilt of being a foodie. Therefore, I commend New York as it shapes itself on its way to being the healthiest city in the United States (Sperling's Best Places reports San Jose, CA to currently have that distinction. Shame, shame... New York City is at #8 for cities with the lowest health scores). Eat more of that (E-coli safe) spinach! Think twice about munching on those Burger King Fries! Stop friends looking at your breakfast from saying "Man! Would you like some bagel with that cream cheese?"
Health is one great reason (if not the only one) this had been passed as it did. While that truth stands, any city-dweller in love with New York, or even any one who had been fortunate to experience the city in one way or another must be wondering: What is this to do to the culture? Forget the McHuge food chains - how is this dramatically going to impact smaller establishments, or street vendors that have - in more ways than Zagat would admit, toiled to earn their place in the New York gastronomic landscape?
If they can make it there, they'll make it anywhere. Chain reaction is inevitable. Should this go by way of the smoking ban trail, I'm putting money on the educated guess that some cities in California and Massachusetts are already looking into the possibility of joining imitation nation.
