CARROLLTON Texas T.G.I. Friday's restaurants said that all its domestic restaurants would eliminate trans fats by July 2008 and meet the New York City trans fat guidelines by this July.
The New York guidelines call for the elimination of all oils, margarines and shortenings, in addition to par-fried items, that contain more than a half-gram of trans fat per serving.
"Friday's is committed to providing our guests healthier menu choices and this is one of the avenues in which we are providing this," said Mike Archer, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's USA.
Archer said Friday's has reviewed products and conducted consumer research to ensure that any changes will be transparent to the guest.
"We have been very particular in regard to the type and brand of oil we will use across the U.S.," added Archer.
By July 2008, Friday's said all menu items, including dressings and desserts, will be trans-fat free.
The 990-unit Friday's is a division of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc.