Editorial for October 18, 2007 edition:


Food for thought

City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski just can’t make up her mind. First she announced her retirement from Council three years ago only to do an about-face early this year; she’s running for an eighth four-year term next month with — unfortunately — token opposition from The Invisible Man, a Republican named Michael Ebsworth.
Then she voted to ban the use of trans fats by many food establishments in the city, only to come out vigorously last week in favor of exempting mom-and-pop bakeries from the ban.
As one of Council’s misguided souls who voted against the city’s smoking ban, Mrs. Krajewski is not exactly a poster child for responsible public health policies.
In fighting for the trans-fat exemption, she may think she’s sticking up for the little guy, but in the long run she’s sticking it to the little guy.
Give lame-duck Councilman Juan Ramos credit for bringing the evils of trans fats to the forefront and forcing people to realize the importance of preserving their hearts whenever possible.
In a nation where childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, and in a city where artery-busting cheesesteaks are king, getting people to think about diet, exercise and harmful ingredients is a valuable public service.
Bakeries were around and flourishing long before trans fats were discovered, and they’ll be around long after trans fats dissolve into history.
Rather than impose the trans-fat ban right away, a better thing might be to give bakeries two years to come up with alternatives that will be healthful — or at least much less unhealthful — without sacrificing taste.
If we can put a man on the moon, we can put a tasty and healthy cake on the table. ••

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