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UPDATED: MRA says it would not oppose statewide ban on artificial trans fats if sufficient evidence deems them harmful

BOSTON The Massachusetts Restaurant Association told lawmakers on Beacon Hill here Wednesday that it would not oppose a statewide ban on the use of frying oils containing artificial trans fats, if sufficient scientific evidence supported the need for such a prohibition.

Peter Christie, president and chief executive of the 5,500-member organization, said that restaurateurs need to know the facts about trans fats and the health threat they pose before they could embrace a statewide ban. If research by a credible health organization showed that trans fats are indeed a public health risk, Christie said, then the association would support a statewide ban rather than in a patchwork of local ordinances. He cautioned, however, that the state would still need to give restaurateurs enough time to implement the changes and find satisfactory replacement oils.

The legislature currently is considering a ban proposed by Rep. Peter Koutoujian, D-Newton. Koutoujian is the House chairman of the public health committee.

Suburban Brookline became the first town in the state to enact a ban on partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, although that does not take effect at restaurants until November 2008. Officials in Boston and Cambridge have considered bans as well.

New York City’s ban on trans fat — the first in the nation — took effect July 1. Philadelphia also has passed a similar ban.

Connecticut lawmakers attempted to pass a trans fat ban earlier this year, but the measure was defeated. California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Tennessee and Vermont also are mulling trans fat bans.

 

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