Philadelphia approves ban on trans fats

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updated 10:51 a.m. ET Feb. 9, 2007

PHILADELPHIA - Enjoy that Philly cheesesteak but hold the trans fat on the fries, please.

Philadelphia is poised to become the second large American city to ban restaurants from serving trans fats, which doctors say increase the risk of heart disease. A New York ban begins this summer.

The proposed Philadelphia ordinance was approved by the City Council yesterday and Mayor John Street is expected to sign it.

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The phased-in Philadelphia ban would prohibit restaurants from frying foods in trans fats or serving trans-fat-based spreads beginning this September. And by September next year, trans fats would also be banned in all other types of food prepared in Philadelphia eateries.

The measure doesn’t include any penalties, but officials say fines could be added later, depending on whether there’s a problem with compliance.