The City of Cleveland is suing the State of Ohio so that it can put a local ban on trans fats in restaurants.
“We’re sending a strong message to the state today that we will stand up for the health of our children, our families, our neighborhoods and out communities,” said Karen Butler, director of the city Department of Public Health.
Currently, state law prevents any city from regulating what residents eat.
“Food costs will practically, automatically go up,” said Cleveland resident Chester Willey. “I think the government needs to pay attention to the economy and the politicians need to keep their hands out of the public till, and my health will take care of itself.”
While the move may seem drastic to consumers, the Ohio Restaurant Association said that many businesses have eliminated the oils from menus.
Nick Kostis, manager of Pickwick and Frolic Restaurant in Cleveland said the change is a positive, but he prefers a state-wide ban.
Kostis, who is an ORA board member, said a uniform plan is fair to both chain restaurants and consumers.
“I’d like to be part of a state community that makes it possible for all citizens of the state to know regardless of where they dine in the state, the same standard will apply as will in Cleveland,” he said.
The Center for Disease Control has linked trans fats to obesity and other health problems. Trans fats cause more than 50, 000 fatal heart attacks a year.
Cleveland resident Elaine Moraghan doubts the law will achieve its goal.
“People are going to eat what they are acquainted with, what they desire,” Moraghan said. “They`re going to eat it. Period.”
Even with the potential health benefits, residents like Brad Brincka worry about how it’ll affect their favorite eateries.
“I’d probably be worried about how good the food would taste,” said Brincka, of Brooklyn.” I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of trans fats in the food I eat here and the food tastes excellent. I’d prefer my food to taste a little better than to be healthy.”
If the city does win the lawsuit, restaurant menus could change as soon as 2013. The ordinance would not ban packaged food sold in grocery stores, even if they contain trans fats.
“Our goal is to create a culture of health in Cleveland that will produce a long-lasting legacy of health, that will improve the health of all Clevelanders now and for generations to come,” Butler said.