Wendy's, the third largest hamburger chain in the US, has switched to a healthier, non-hydrogenated cooking oil that doesn't contain any trans fats. Wendy's is the nation's first major fast food chain to switch to a healthier cooking oil. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels, while lowering good cholesterol. A diet high in trans fats increases the risk of heart disease, obesity and certain cancers. Trans fats are found in solid fats like margarine and vegetable shortening.
Wendy's new cooking oil, a blend of corn and soy oils, will reduce harmful trans fats by 95 percent in Wendy's fried foods, including French fries and breaded chicken dishes. French fries will be reduced from 7 grams to between zero and 0.5 grams of trans fats. Breaded chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and strips will contain zero grams of trans fats. Trans fats have also been removed from Wendy's salad dressings, croutons and buns.
"`We tested the oil extensively," says Bob Bertini, spokesman for Wendy's, in a news release. "We've served millions of servings, and our customers cannot discern the difference in taste."
However, the removal of trans fats does not guarantee a low-calorie, low-fat meal. Wendy's fried foods and salad dressings will still be high in fat and calories.
REFERENCES:
1. Wendy's restaurants drop trans fats from cooking oil. Bloomberg News Release, August 25, 2006:
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2006/08/25/wendys
_restaurants_drop_trans_fats_from_cooking_oil/
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 14, 2006 03:29 PM
