For most restaurants, changing over to 0 grams trans fat frying is easy. Many King County food establishments have already made the switch, without noticeable effect on their menus or their bottom lines.

Before you begin, check the product labels of the oils and shortenings you are using for frying for the words "partially hydrogenated [vegetable] oil." If you do not see those words, then you are already frying without artificial trans fat and no change is needed. See page 4, question 7 of Phase Out brochure (PDF).

If you are making a change, try heart-healthy alternatives that are low in saturated fat.

Making the switch

If you have been using a product with artificial trans fat, here are some tips to help you make the switch:

• Talk to your supplier about what zero trans fat products are available; your health inspector may be able to offer you some tips as well
• If you're not sure what fry products are right for your menu, purchase a few in small quantities and experiment
• Call us if you have a question or comment: 206-205-3349 or send us an email at MLandTF@kingcounty.gov

Finding artificial trans fat in prepared foods and mixes

In many restaurant kitchens, artificial trans fat is found not just in oils, margarines, and shortenings, but also in prepared foods, partially pre-cooked foods and mixes. Did you know, for instance, that the frozen French fries you've cooking in healthy 0 grams trans fat oil may still contain trans fat?

Beginning February 1, 2009, trans fat in any type of prepared food must be restricted to less than 0.5 grams per serving. Fortunately, finding it is easy.

Here are some common sources of artificial trans fat:

• Baked goods (cookies, crackers, cakes, pies, muffins, fried taco shells, tortilla wraps, and some breads, such as hamburger buns)
• Toppings for baked goods and ice cream (sprinkles, chocolate chips, non-dairy whipped toppings, syrups, icings, and candy coatings)
• Pre-mixed products (cake, pancake, and chocolate drink mix; pizza dough; laminated doughs)
• Pre-fried or par-fried frozen foods (French fries, onion rings, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, frozen pie crust, frozen dough, egg rolls)
• Nacho cheese sauce, salad dressing, non-dairy creamer
• Bread crumbs and croutons. Note: these foods may be exempt from the trans fat regulations if they are served to customers in the manufacturer's sealed, original packaging.

To determine whether or not a product contains artificial trans fat, read the label on the package. See page 4, question 7 of Phase Out brochure (PDF).

What to do about unlabeled products

Fresh, unprocessed agricultural products such as fresh vegetables, fresh eggs, and raw meat, poultry, and eggs do not require a label. Everything else needs some form of documentation. Check your kitchen and storerooms for unlabeled products. If you find an item without a label, ask your supplier to provide a label or appropriate documentation (described below).

If you are buying unlabeled baked goods or other freshly-made foods directly from the producer, a letter from the producer instead of a label is acceptable. The letter should contain the following information:

• The producer's name, address and phone number
• Item name
• Serving size
• Item ingredients, listed from heaviest to lightest

If the words "margarine," "shortening" or "partially hydrogenated [vegetable] oil" appear in the ingredient list, the letter must include the trans fat content per serving.

See examples of acceptable producer letters (PDF).

Choosing new products with 0 grams of trans fat

Manufacturers of prepared foods and mixes have been working hard to eliminate artificial trans fat. Many familiar brands are already made with 0 grams of trans fat. If your suppliers are not stocking 0 grams trans fat versions of the products you need, talk to them about making the switch as soon as possible.