Two Texas Democrats move to ban Transfats at all Restaurants statewide

No more Spicy Mexican Food or Greasy Texas BBQ if Nanny-Stater Dems get their way

Two Democrat State Legislators have introduced a bill to ban trans fats in all restaurants around the State. The bill would also require that foods conform to less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

From the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, April 7:

State Rep. Carol Alvarado of Houston and Sen. Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso, both Democrats, promoted legislation Monday that would ban artificial trans fats in all Texas restaurants...

It’s one of two high profile changes the Legislature is considering regarding restaurants. The other is a statewide smoking ban. While various restaurant owners and patrons are opposed to a statewide smoking ban, switching to trans fat-free oils appears likely to face less resistance.

At least two owners of ethnic restaurants have come forward to say that such a move would definitely affect the taste of their products. Continuing from the article:

John Whitten, owner of Caro’s Mexican Food on Bluebonnet Circle in Fort Worth, said switching his menu to trans fat-free last year changed cost and taste.

Some of the items on the menu at soul food restaurant Buttons in Fort Worth have some trans fat... general manager Curt Voirin said.

"For the most part, these substitutes do a pretty good job," Voirin said. "There’s no doubt it may change the flavor profile in some things. That’s the reality."

Another owner was quoted on NBC's DFW Around Town:

Gene Street Jr., who owns Snookies on Oak Lawn, said he knows California and New York have similar bans, but is concerned about the price a Texas ban would have on businesses.

"The alternative oils aren't cheap, and you have to be concerned about how they taste," he said.