Lynn officials ponder trans fats banishment

LYNN – City officials continue to grapple with the idea of joining Boston, Brookline, Philadelphia and New York in the war against trans fats.While talks remain slow, officials are scheduled to discuss the potential ban at an upcoming Board of Health meeting to determine regulations to restrict trans fat, also known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which doctors say cause heart disease.If approved, the ban would take effect in schools and restaurants across the city and a window of time would be allowed for the eateries to get up to speed with the new law.Although trans fats naturally occur in certain foods, the ban would most likely only pertain to artificial trans fats that are used to add texture and taste to foods and extend their shelf life.In 2007, Brookline passed a ban against the unhealthy fats that are used in frying and baking, and in March Boston did the same.While most restaurants in Lynn will eventually have to make the change to lower fat oil, George’s Roast Beef at 124 Broad St. claims to have been using the healthier oil the past six years.Owners Voula and Ilias Psallidas say the oil they use is much more expensive than the typical oil used by restaurants, but is worth it for the health of their customers and the quality of their food.”We used to pay $16 or $17 dollars for the oil, but now it’s $37,” Voula said. “The cheap oil costs about $10 and has a heavier smell to it.”Ilias said the cheaper oil has a much thicker consistency to it and resembles liquid shortening that is scooped out of a vat and thrown into a deep fryer.”Our oil doesn’t have any cholesterol or salt in it, but nobody uses it because it’s too expensive,” he said. “Unless something better comes out, we’ll continue to use it.”Abel Ouanes, a food inspector for the Inspectional Services Department said overweight children and adults would greatly benefit from the potential ban, as well as the Lynn Water & Sewer Department.”The new oil would reduce the amount of grease in the sewer system. (The old grease is costly) because it backs up and costs the city a lot of money to clear the pipes,” he said. “It’s really just a matter of time before this is passed.”Ouanes said the first step is to modify regulations for the potential ban to fit the needs of the city.”After we discuss and modify the issue, it would have to be voted on by the Board of Health and then we could enforce violations after six months or so for places that are still using oil with trans fat,” he said.Trans fats have also been linked to an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, stroke, raising bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowering good cholesterol (HDL).To date no known health benefits have been associated with trans fat, nor a safe level for consuming the artificial fats.