Tasting Journal

No Trans-Fat in Montgomery County?

Well it looks like Montgomery County may be joining the ranks of New York and Philadelphia in their efforts to ban trans-fat from restaurant menus across the region. A few years ago, the county’s restaurants were facing a different battle—the much debated smoking ban—and now the council is moving on to another controversial health issue—greasy foods fried in our beloved trans-fatty oils. What will become of our delicious grease-dripped fries and onion rings? Will the flavor be affected? Some advocates of the ban say that substituting the oil will not compromise the flavor. Really?? Hmm... I’m skeptical. I’m just going to have to go and taste some of these trans-fat free fries for myself.

Even though the ban has yet to be implemented, some resturants have already taken the initiative and eliminated trans-fat from their menus, such as Silver Diner in Rockville and Black’s Bar and Kitchen in Bethesda.

According to news reports, if the council approves the ban, it would take effect next January.

See NBC4’s video report: Montgomery County May Ban Trans Fats