California Sans Trans...Lard Have Mercy!

California has now become the first state in the U.S. to entirely ban food retailers and restaurants from using trans-fat.

Some cities, like New York City and Philadelphia have already banned trans fats. Cuz it's bad for you...
Trans-fats are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that are used to extend the shelf life of products and can turn oily foods into semi-solid foods. They're used for frying and usually put into cakes, pastries, hot chocolate drink mixes, processed foods, margarines, and some fast foods.
They've been linked to coronary heart disease, can raise levels of bad cholesterol, have no nutritional benefit, and even a small reduction in consumption can cut heart disease.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said the legislation will represent a "strong step toward creating a healthier future." The new legislation will take effect in 2010. Schwarzenegger will ban the use of trans-fats in oil, shortening and margarine used in spreads or for frying. Those found of violating the new law will be fined between $25 and $1,000.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Americans eat on average about 4.7lbs of trans-fats each year. A 2006 review by the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that by eliminating artificial trans-fats from your food supply could prevent between 6 and 19% of heart attacks and related deaths each year.
AP report HERE