The Crusade Against Trans Fats

Every decade or so, a new demon occupies the attention of the crusaders for public health. Recently, that demon has been trans fats. For the most part, trans fats are found hydrogenated vegetable oils — namely shortening and margarine. But since the consumption of trans fats has been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease, in 2007, New York City banned the use of trans fats in all restaurants, including fast food fryers, a place where trans fatty oil was preferred because it had a long shelf-life.