New York restaurants adopt heart-friendly menu

The new regulations guiding restaurants, which came into force today require that all food served, including baked goods, oils and spreads, shortenings and margarines and pre-prepared items contain less than 0.5 gram of trans fats per serving.

The first phase, implemented last year, applied to fry oils and spreads. It will now cover previously excluded items such as baked goods, frozen foods, cannoli, and doughnuts as well.

Foods served in the manufacturer's original, sealed packaging, such as candy and crackers, are still exempt.

Officials said acceptance of the first phase of the trans fat regulation has been very high, with more than 98 per cent of inspected restaurants in compliance as of last month.

Some food chains and cooking oil manufacturers have not only eliminated trans fat but also reduced saturated fat by 20 per cent to 35 per cent.