Trans fats are produced commercially in large quantities to harden vegetable oils into shortening and margarine to help extend product shelf life. Wondering how trans fat ended up with its own special place on food labels?  Most of us grew up eating foods containing trans fat without knowing it was there.  Before trans fat was added to labels in 2006, you could only recognize it under its alias, “partially hydrogenated oil,” on the list of ingredients.

"California is a leader in promoting health and nutrition, and I am pleased to continue that tradition by being the first state in the nation to phase out trans fats," Governor Schwarzenegger said today. "Consuming trans fat is linked to coronary heart disease, and today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California."

"This is more than just legislation this is a call to action that takes into consideration the health of our families," said Mendoza. "We are taking a risk when we consume food and products that contain trans fats; this is an invisible and dangerous ingredient that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure – it had to be eliminated."

Source: www.ens-newswire.com