There's a topic about Oprah, Dr. Oz, and Crisco. There's lots of talk of people on here now considering not using Crisco. For those of you who don't live in NYC I thought you'd be interested to know that there is a move to ban trans fats in area restaurants, which also includes bakeries. Small establishments like these are furious because getting rid of trans fats is not as easy or inexpensive for them as for restaurants. The concern is people's health. On one hand I understand, but I disagree. Yeah, trans fats are bad, but people make the decision to buy it or not buy it. Certain foods I stay away from for that reason. Not to mention, many times I can do it better than them.
I think that they should be banned--(even though I use mixes with hydrogenated oils!) -- I think that Pillsbury and Duncan Hines, etc. will soon be coming out with mixes that don't have partially hydrogenated oils since so many people are opposed to it. I hope so!
i don't think they should ban them from all foods. Lets face it, cake and icing isn't healthy for you no matter what spin you try to put on it.
I have gone to using mostly natural ingredients, but lets face it somethings need alittle hydrogenated shortening.
Perhaps people's palates will change as they start eating more and more trans fat free foods.
It's certainly not going to hurt us to eat the occasional wedding cake with Crisco icing.
At this time I don't think there is anything else that will hold up to some of the detailed decorating.
But....(and I have a big but)
I remember when Palm and Coconut oils were yanked off the shelf because they were saturated fats. (I'm 54yrs)
We now know they are trans fat free and actually have health benefits as mono fats (like what is in avacados).
anyone else here remember how much better store bought cookies were back when they all had these wonderful oils?
Now you have to buy them at health food stores.
Pecan Sandies were soooo much better.
sorry for the long rant.
Is that why chips ahoy taste and look pathetic? I agree that shortening is bad for people because of the trans fats. But, a little bit here and there won't kill you. I used the supposedly trans fat free crisco last week for a kid's birthday cake. I would have used butter but he can't have dairy. I didn't feel too bad serving them crisco because I figured they're all going to have a piece and that's it. Granted, they might go out and then have lots of other junk with trans fat, saturated fat, plain ole fat, cholesterol, sugar, sugar, and sugar, but their health problems won't be solely from my cake.
And I said supposedly trans fat free because any hyderogenated oil produces trans fat. If the label says 0 grams of trans fat but has hydrogenated oil there is trans fat it's just that there is less than .5 grams. Under .5 grams and the number gets rounded down to zero.
Sorry folks! I think it is a sad day in America when we need government to tell us what we can and cannot eat (such as the schools banning soft drinks now). Just like cigarettes (I don't smoke), folks who choose to buy things that are harmful (and they are fully aware they will harm them) will face the music. They are usually fully aware of what the music will be too.
I think this NYC ban is REALLY stupid. I disagree with the seatbelt law as well...UNLESS it is a child whom the irresponsible parent has not belted in (because the child is not mature enough to make that decision for themselves). However, if I CHOOSE not to wear my seatbelt, I am taking my life into own my hands - fully aware that I could die if I am in an accident (I DO wear mine). But, isn't that MY choice??? The next thing that is coming is the banning of cell phones while driving (which I agree is dangerous) and then from there we cannot eat or drink anything while driving....see what I mean? There is no end to it!
My point??? I don't need government to MAKE me watch for my own safety or eat healthy food.
Anyone else tired of government thinking we are illiterate out here in the streets? Sorry to rant...but this has really been a soap box for me, and I'm typically a non-confrontational person...really! LOL! I'm just very concerned about the way America is headed regarding our freedoms and this is just one more little aspect of it.
Okay...forgive me for the rant? LOL!!! 
By the way: (1) I'm VERY patriotic and LOVE my country! (2) I didn't mean to turn this thread into a political lashing...it is just that this is fresh on my mind and when I saw the thread I had a strong reaction. 
Sure, it is our right to get as big and unhealthy as we want, but if certain steps could be taken to decrease the number of heart attacks and strokes people are having (over all of the trans fats that are in our diets), I say that's great. Trans fats are in practically everything- even whole wheat saltine crackers. So, even if you think you're eating healthy, you're probably not unless you're reading the fine print.
I guess I'm going off topic...and I do use doctored cake mixes which contain hydrogenated oils. But, if Pillsbury and Duncan Hines and the others offered mixes without these, I would buy them.
i can not believe they are tying to ban this. that seems a bit drastic to me. i am right along with ritzy on this one it should be our choice.
that being said i guess if i sit here and think about it i can see why some feel this is needed. all the fast food restaurants are in fear of being sued. but im sorry how can anyone sue for getting fat by eating their food???? drives me nuts. because its common sense that deep fried french fries and hamburgers with over 500 calories in it is going to be very bad for you. instead of taking choices away from people how about we just require that parents and schools educate our children about the dangers of eating certain things. instead of one semester of health why not make it a required 4 year class??? i think thats a big problem we arent educated enough about what we are putting in our mouths.
also just want to add that Jason's Deli is what they refer to as a CLEAN FOOD RESTURAUNT....... they have signs saying that about 2 years ago they started removing trans fat foods from their menus. that they increased the quality of their food and that by i think January first of 2006 all their restaurants were trans fat free. if this is completely true i dont know but i think its great that by their own choice they did this.
Nicely said, Susan!
Also...I LOVE Jason's Deli... it is my favorite place to eat (outside of Mexican food which I don't allow myself to each much of anymore because *I* choose to make better choices and only eat that as a treat every now and then).
Making it a law and/or banning something is what upsets me. Education is by far the more American (or at least the original America) way!
yes i love jasons when i go i get soup and salad. love their salad bar its so yummy.
if we dont get educated and we dont educate our children the health problems will get worse and worse.
praetorian2000 and anyone else who are in nyc why not write letters and make a few phone calls to see if the education route is something they would be willing to do before an out right ban!!??!!
This sounds like a case of Big Brother getting too big for his britches!
I do NOT like this ban, that is going to far. I mean wasn't that why America was founded, because the founding fathers felt the government was being too controlling.
I normally don't get into debates like this, but this one pushes my buttons.
Alrighty then as soon as alcohol and cigaretts get banned then by all means trans fat, how about sugar that rots your teeth and organs, beef gives you mad cow disease, how about football that always makes lots a widows. Now you know I'm joshing couldn't do without football!!!! Come on now govt. stay out of my pantry and my bedroom please.
I am not in favor of the government telling us what we can and can't do, however, there are some guidelines that if not in place would create some major problems. Speed limits, selling drugs to children, drinking and driving, no fire arms in airports, federal buildings or schools. Unfortunately, we have to have some controls for the irresponsible people that have no respect for human life or property. Some of those laws are to help protect us, and to have a legal way to put the bad guys away. As to the person who mentioned about taking soda out of school? My question is why was it ever put in? Back when I went to school, the only drinks offered were white or chocolate milk, juice or water.We always had a healthy hot meal. Dessert was maybe jello, or fruit. There were no other choices. Today, I see pizza, chili dogs, tacos, hamburgers, french fries as the nutrious meals at the schools. Give me a break! And we wonder why the allergy rates have gone up, extremely overweight kids, kids with ADD or ADHD , underexcercised kids, that sit at the computer, or the video games. The trends have changed, look at us, how many of us sit here on the computer for hours. How many of us walk or excercise instead? If you look at it the parents have set the pace for the kids, and that is why so many are having health issues. Most of the kids now, eat no breakfast, or they might have cereal, then they go to school and eat the worst foods in the world that will not help their brains or bodies, then they come home and eat more not so good snacks, at best they might get a home cooked meal, or better yet a trip to MC Donalds for a nutrious Happy Meal. How many of you actually cook a full good meal for your family every day? Sorry , getting off the subject.
Ritzy..well said! I agree that the government is taking away my privilege to think for myself. In South Carolina, you must wear a seat belt if you are inside of a car, which I also think should be my choice. This same state will allow you ride down the Interstate going 70 miles per hour on a motorcycle without a helmet. Hmmmm is something wrong with this picture?
Cupcake, you spoke about milk in school. When I went to school, we had white milk or water. There was no chocolate or strawberry milk. Yes, soft drinks have been taken out of schools but take a close look at those flavored milks. See the sugar content?
As far as the trans fat goes, government can remove it from every restaurant in the world and it won't change much. People who want fries, burgers, etc. will just start cooking it at home. The government can't afford to hire a guard for each one of us that will watch what we eat and how we prepare it.
Amen to those who said to teach the children about healthy eating. When children learn what is good and what is bad, they will be less likely to ask for the fast foods.
Now, I wonder when the government will ban Nintendo, computers, and television, and force everybody to go outside between 5 and 6 for exercise.
I am proud to be an American and I love my country. I have come to the conclusion that common sense is not so common.
I am done now.
Did the ban in NYC result from the citizens of NY voting for/against it? I was just curious.
Our city recently passed a 'no smoking' ban. It was passed by a very small margin of the voters. Now the smokers are complaining.......where were all the smokers on voting day? I didn't vote, so I cannot complain about it's outcome.
I agree that the trans fat ban is stupid........if you don't like it, don't eat it. But I also see that our country has become a 'sue-happy' nation. How do you get rich in America.....sue someone! Nobody wants to take responsibility for themselves or their children.
OK.........I'll stop. Anyway, I am going to keep using Crisco, sugar, butter, eggs, etc.....
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