This law prohibits the use of artificial trans fat in any food item prepared or served at a food establishment within the County of Rockland in order to reduce the risks of coronary heart disease. It exempts food served directly to patrons in a manufacturer's original sealed package and some donated foods. The act also requires food service establishments to keep specific types of records of foods that they store, distribute, hold for service or use in preparation of any menu item that are, or that contain, fats, oils or shortenings.
See references to these populations: "ages 65 and over," "women." § 267-18(A)(2).
See e.g., references to "health and well-being," "trans-fat free" (§ 267-18 (D), (E); "healthier alternatives" (§ 267-23); and links between coronary heart disease and artificial trans fat (§ 267-18 (A)).
Several findings are cited at sec. 267-18. They include, inter alia, "Scientific evidence demonstrates a clear association between increased trans fat intake and the risk of coronary heart disease;" "Because of its negative effect on "good cholesterol," trans fat appears to be even worse than saturated fat;" "Approximately 80% of dietary trans fat is found in industrially produced [partially hydrogenated vegetable oil ("PHVO")]; "The major source of dietary trans fat, found in PHVO, can be replaced with currently available heart-healthy alternatives;" and "Owners of many food service establishments in Rockland County, acknowledging the health risks caused by artificial trans fats and recognizing the availability of tasty, healthy alternatives, have already voluntarily gone "trans-fat free." § 267-18.
"The purpose of this article is to safeguard the health and well-being of all Rockland County residents by prohibiting the use of artificial trans fat in any food item prepared or served at a food establishment within the County of Rockland in order to dramatically reduce the risks of [coronary heart disease]." § 267-18(E).
§ 267-19.
Although specific government implementation details are limited, the act does provide that "the Department of Health shall promulgate and make available information regarding the dangers of trans fats and the availability of healthier alternatives, in such manner as may be reasonably determined by the Commissioner of Health, or his or her designees." § 267-23.
Any person who violates the provisions of this article shall be subject to the imposition by the Rockland County Department of Health of a civil penalty pursuant to Section 1.25 of the Rockland County Sanitary Code. § 267-22.
Sections 267-17 through 267-25 are located in Part II (General Legislation), Chapter (Food Service), Article III (Artificial Trans Fat Restrictions). Hisotry: adopted 6-1-2010 by L.L. No. 7-2010.