New Laws 2010: California bans trans fat in restaurants

By David Liu

Starting on Jan 1, 2010, California prohibits restaurants from using oils, margarines and shortening with more than half a gram of trans fat per serving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

The new law was actually passed by the California Legislature in 2008, but the state gave the restaurants time to change their recipes and menu to avoid introduction of trans fat into restaurants-prepared meals.

Trans fat has been linked to a number of health problems like diabetes and heart disease. It's probably also linked to other cardiovascular diseases among other things.

California also passed a similar new law that will apply to baked goods on Jan 1, 2011.

Another new California law passed in 2006 gave residents until Jan 1, 2010 to reduce lead in specific plumbing fixtures to a new standard under 0.25 percent.

New laws are good news for lawyers and attorneys.