Boston Market has removed trans fats from its menu in the New York area to comply with new regulation.

Boston Market is committed to offering delicious, wholesome foods that can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Boston Market uses natural, wholesome ingredients in our recipes. Our restaurants do not use frying oils or serve fried foods.

Summary of the Regulation

New York City's Health Code amendment phases out the use of artificial trans fat in all food service establishments required to hold a New York City Health Department permit, including restaurants, caterers, mobile food-vending units, and mobile food commissaries.

Beginning July 1, 2008

No food containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortenings, or margarines with 0.5 grams or more trans fat per serving may be stored, used, or served by food service establishments. The regulation does not apply to food served in the manufacturer's original, sealed packaging, such as a package of crackers or a bag of potato chips.

Facts on Trans Fat

What is trans fat? Trans fat is the common name for a type of unsaturated fat that is both naturally occurring and artificially made. The New York regulation addresses only artificial trans fats, which is the main dietary source of trans fat.

Natural vs. artificial trans fat? Some trans fat occurs naturally, as in meat and dairy products. Most trans fats consumed today are from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils - a process developed in the early 1900s and first commercialized as Crisco in 1911. This process gives oils a higher melting point, which makes them attractive for baking and extends their shelf life. Foods that contain artificial trans fat include margarines, shortenings, and fry oils, as well as many baked good, mixes, and packaged foods.