News Release

Ontario Schools To Be Trans Fat Free

McGuinty Government Giving Kids Healthier Choices

April 16, 2008

Students in Ontario will be getting healthier because the food and beverages sold in schools will need to be free of trans fat.

Levels of obesity among young Canadian children have nearly tripled over the last 25 years. Providing healthier options and reducing trans fat will help improve the health of young people.

The legislation passed today will require schools to drop trans fat from school cafeterias, vending machines and tuck shops. Some foods that naturally contain small amounts of trans fat, such as beef and milk, will be allowed. Special event days will be exempt.

Artificially produced trans fat is formed when liquid oils are made into semi-solid forms like shortening. It is commonly found in baked and fried foods like french fries, cookies or doughnuts.

Ontario will also examine options for establishing nutrition standards that conform to the new Canada Food Guide for school cafeterias, vending machines, tuck shops, canteens and other daily food services in schools.

Quotes

“It’s clear that we are moving in a healthier direction by dropping trans fat from schools. Giving students healthier options will help them stay healthy and have more energy for learning,” said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.

“Our message is clear: a lifetime of good health starts with healthy practices in childhood. Healthier choices for students mean healthier habits later in life,” said Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best.

Quick Facts

• Trans fat increases levels of bad cholesterol and decreases levels of good cholesterol in the blood.
• According to a 2004 Statistics Canada study, nearly one-third of children and teenagers in Canada are either overweight or obese.
• The Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates consumption of processed trans fat may account for 30,000 to 50,000 deaths in Canada every 10 years.

Learn More

Find out more about trans fat.

Learn how much trans fat may be in the foods you eat.

Discover how you can make your next trip to the grocery store a healthy one.

See also:

• Backgrounder: Making Ontario Schools Healthier