Upstate Solons Move To Ban Trans Fats

BUFFALO — Leaders in the land of deep-fried chicken wings are wading into the debate over heart-damaging trans fats.

Two Buffalo lawmakers are moving toward a proposal to outlaw the use of the artificial fats in restaurants throughout the city and Erie County.

The Buffalo Teachers Federation, meanwhile, is lobbying to have trans fats banned not only from cafeteria meals but school vending machines.

"Trans fats are tasteless, odorless, colorless killers in some respects," said Erie County Legislator Maria Whyte, who with fellow Democrat Timothy Kennedy has asked the Legislature's health committee to explore a possible ban.

The Buffalo Common Council delayed action this week on a more narrow city-only ban and members expressed support for countywide restrictions.

Trans fat bans have made it onto agendas in city halls and statehouses around the nation since December, when New York City outlawed the partially hydrogenated vegetable oils commonly used for deep frying and baking processed cookies, cakes and crackers.

At Buffalo's Anchor Bar, where chicken wings took flight, manager Ivano Toscani sees the writing on the wall. The restaurant has been experimenting with trans fat-free oils this week.