Calgary's fat ban a phat gain for city

Calgary's bold move to become the first city in Canada to regulate the use of trans fats in restaurants is encouraging other cities to follow suit.

A trans-fat ban is also being considered in Toronto, said Stephen Samis, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation's director of policy development. "I wouldn't be surprised if other cities did follow Calgary's lead," said Samis.

"We saw that happen with tobacco control and second-hand smoke."

As of Jan. 1, Calgary eateries were banned from cooking with fats and oils that contain more than 2% trans fats.

Restaurants are encouraged to switch to "heart-healthy oils" such as canola, safflower, sunflower, corn or olive oil.