Should NYC ban trans fats in restaurants?

Answer 1

There are two main problems with trans-fat:

1. It is extremely bad for the human body. The man made ingredient hardens in our bodies and causes many health problems. (go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat for more information) At the same time, it does not offer any taste benefits.
2. The majority of the American population doesn't know what trans-fat is! Trans-fat really is a poison, but many people don't know not to eat it or even to look to see if it is an ingredient.

Now, should the government regulate what restaurants use while preparing food? That's a tougher question.

I think the best thing to do is to provide education.

Ideally, the government could put out news briefs, pamphlets, information online, and information in health classes about trans-fat and why it is bad. Once that has been administered (and the program set to continue), the government could create a notification requirement so that any restaurant that uses trans-fat in food preperation must clearly notify customers. Then, hopefully, the informed American would choose to eat somewhere where trans-fat is not used, and businesses would choose to stop using trans-fat to gain back business.

Would the above work? Absolutely NOT!

As much as I'd love to live in a well educated country, the fact of the matter is that we have a high drop-out rate in school and as a whole, we don't work to educate ourselves about ongoing issues, especially health related.

It's easy to say, "The government doesn't have a say in what I eat!" However, if the government is going to be affected by people who slowly kill themselves, they do have a say in what happens.

If we are going to say that the government is not allowed to regulate reckless and dangerous behavior, then benefits must be modified. This means people who spend thousands of dollars for medical conditions related to trans-fat will no longer get an income tax deduction. If an obese person becomes disabled from weight, they no longer get unemployment or disability compensation, etc.

Personally, I do not think the traditional role of the government is to regulate food, but providing important health information is within the realm. While an education program would be the best option, it would be ineffective and costly. The trans-fat ban is coming into play because it is the simpliest option.

Answer 2

I am a libertarian at heart and I am totally against the government interfering in our lives. I think we should be able to smoke cigarettes (I'm a non smoker) Drive without seatbelts (I always wear mine) and not have to wear helmets when driving a motorcycle. I certainly don't want the government telling me I can't eat a 1/2 pound burger and fries!

That being said TRANS FAT IS DIFFERENT! It does not make food taste or smell better. This is a manmade poison that prevents the food from appearing to be rotten. It makes the food last longer with out looking or tasting bad. The restaurants can use the fat all day to fry french fries instead of having to change it once or twice during the day. The food manufacturing factories can put in in our packaged food to extend the expiration date much longer than would be possible with vegatable or animal fat.

The government should not be in the business of protecting us from ourself, but they should prevent us from being needlessly poisoned by multibillion dollar corporations whenever possible.

Answer 3

No they should just provide better education for people to be able to choose wisely and cook healthy at home. They shouldn't NEED to do this but since some people seem unable to work out a balance for themselves it seems it is necessary. As kids we only got to eat Mcdonalds and KFC a few times a year, it's all about moderation.

Answer 4

Eventhough trans fat is bad for everyone. It is not governments position to get involved. Every American should have a right to eat it if they choose.

Answer 5

Absolutely not! When did the government decide to get involved in what is bad for us to eat? Cancer causing is different then generally unhealthy food. People have a choice it is not the governements job to choose for us.

Answer 6

No, isn't junk food supposed to be an unhealthy, but tasty splurge? This makes about as much sense to me as people trying to sue fast food joints because they get fat!

Answer 7

How in the world could a law or rule of that type be enforced? That would be a good question.

Answer 8

Absolutely Not!