Trans Fat v. Boston, Round Two

The second phase of Boston's ban on artery-clogging trans fats goes into effect today. WBUR's Sacha Pfeiffer has details.

PFEIFFER: The first phase of the ban started in September and affected foods that are fried, grilled or sauteed.

This final phase targets baked goods made or sold in Boston, including bread and cake mixes. That means bakeries have to find substitutes for oils, shortenings and margarines that contain transfats.

Roger Swartz is with the Boston Public Health Commission.

SWARTZ: It is trickier for the baking process, and so a bit more time was given just so that there'd be more time to look into and experiment with recipe adaptations.

PFEIFFER: Foods in original sealed packaging with state and federal nutrition labeling are exempt from the ban. Transfats increase the shelf life of food, but are linked to heart disease and diabetes.

For WBUR, I'm Sacha Pfeiffer.