By September 15th, 2018 all trans-fat oils are to be banned in Canada. That includes all food that are imported from the United States, unless otherwise authorized by the Health Minister.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced on Friday September 16th that the final step is to ban partially hydrogenated oils in all food that are sold in Canada. The oils are the main source of trans-fats in food. Trans-fats raise the levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein) in your body and they lower your “good” cholesterol or you HDL (high density lipoprotein).
Foods like cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers all contain some sort of shortening which is usually made with a hydrogenated vegetable oil. All foods that require deep frying have trans- fats due to the oils used in the cooking process.
Potatoes, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans- fat in them. Popcorn has been said to be a healthier option when choosing what snack you want to enjoy but once butter and salts are added it becomes extremely high in Trans fats.
The health minister is hoping that by eliminating Trans fats in Canada the number of heart attacks Canadians have will go down. Ginette made the announcement that this could help prevent over 12,000 heart attacks of the next 20 years.
All restaurants are going to be expected to change their oils and cooking methods in order to eliminate the trans-fats and follow the ban guidelines.
