Lower Trans Fats in Fast Food

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A study funded by the National Institutes for Health finds that several major fast food chains have lowered the amount of trans fats in their cooking oil. The findings suggest that most major fast food chains are responsive to nutrition concerns from the public, not only about fat content, but sodium content as well. In the study, researchers assessed the trans fat and saturated fat levels in french fries from McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box and Dairy Queen. They discovered that between 1997 and 2008, three restaurants (McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's) significantly decreased the amount of trans fats in their fries. The amount of saturated fat in their fries was either lowered or remained level over the eleven year period.

Lisa Harnack from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health remarks about the study that, "While it took time for major fast food chains to decrease trans fats in their foods, I'm pleased to see that they have done it. I'm also pleased to see that they haven't raised levels of saturated fats to replace trans fats." While this study is good news for fast food lovers, foods with higher trans fat and saturated fat content should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of these fats can lead to serious heart and artery problems.

Learn more about this study:

• Fast Food Chains Have Significantly Decreased Trans Fats Science Daily