Ban on trans fats to hit California restaurants

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill outlawing trans fats in July 2008, but the measure gave restaurants until Friday to comply. Bakeries will have until Jan. 1, 2011.

Trans fats have long been considered unhealthy, contributing to increased levels of so-called bad cholesterol in people and higher rates of obesity and coronary artery disease. The substance, which is created when hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oil, is often used in fried foods, pre-packaged products such as cookies and crackers, and shortenings.

(...) In California, "There are many restaurants and bakeries that have already moved on from trans fats," said Daniel Conway, spokesman for the California Restaurant Association, which opposed the state ban on the ground that such standards should be set by the federal government.