Anti blood sludge law planned for New York

The US city’s health department says trans-fats are a serious health hazard.For years health officials in New York have identified trans-fats as a food ingredient which can clog arteries and cause serious health problems.Some restaurateurs will argue that a ban would be expensive to enforce and insist consumers should have a choice.

BBC NEWS | Americas | US debates ‘hidden’ food fats ban

The food industry in New York has tried self-regulation of trans-fatty-acids in the past but now forced regulation is being discussed. It’s a more pronounced problem in NY because “New Yorkers get at least a third of their calories from food eaten outside the home”.

What’s wrong with trans-fatty-acids ? Well it causes red blood cells to stick together within hours of a high fat meal (the reaction is more aggressive with trans-fatty-acids than other fats). This sticking or blood sludging prevents the transportation of oxygen through capillaries that are too small to accommodate the sludgy blood.

Mmmmm … blood sludge … yummy.