The Toronto Globe and Mail reports that Voortman Cookies Ltd. has announced that by March 2004 all 120 types of cookies that it manufactures will be trans fat-free.
"Most consumers are not aware of this issue but when they become aware, they don't want to eat products with trans fats," said Harry Voortman, the company's president. "It's really bad for your cholesterol."
Scientists have concluded that trans fatty acids raise levels of bad cholesterol and also prevent good cholesterol from clearing the circulatory system; they also are believed to contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given food manufacturers until 2006 to include trans fat information on package labels.
"Most consumers are not aware of this issue but when they become aware, they don't want to eat products with trans fats," said Harry Voortman, the company's president. "It's really bad for your cholesterol."
Scientists have concluded that trans fatty acids raise levels of bad cholesterol and also prevent good cholesterol from clearing the circulatory system; they also are believed to contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given food manufacturers until 2006 to include trans fat information on package labels.
- KC's View:
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The Voortman folks seem to believe that this move will pressure larger cookie companies from making a similar move, but we're not sure that this is going to happen.
Still, it is a promising move, and one we wish more companies would make.
