This is a bad week for consumer freedom in my native Texas (where, incidentally, I enjoyed two chicken fried steaks, barbecue lunches, a Tex-Mex feast, several bottles of Shiner, and Dublin Dr Pepper this weekend). The statewide smoking ban looks very close to passing and the Senate is considering a bill to ban trans fats from restaurants. The AP lists the exceptions included in the latter bill:
But, fearing a backlash from the sweet tooth lobby, the lawmakers provided an exemption for trans fats used to make cakes, pies and other bakery items.
“The icing exemption,” is what Democratic Sen. Eliot Shapleigh called the loophole, explaining that cake icing doesn’t stay put without the hydrogen pumped into the oil - the very process that makes trans fats unhealthy.
Other exemptions were provided for food served by grocery stores, fire departments and certain caterers, and the ban would be slowly phased in. Initially, it would impact only chain establishments. It would apply to all Texas restaurants by late 2011.
Another loophole - for nonprofit organizations - was inserted in part to ensure that corn dogs and other fried goodies served at rodeos and state fairs could still be cooked with trans fat.
And, of course, consumers could still by entire tubs of shortening at the grocery store if they’re in the mood. All of which shows the absurdity of this ban. If trans fats are a dangerous toxin, they shouldn’t be allowed at state fairs or catering events. But they’re not toxins. They’re just another food ingredient, and there’s no justification for forbidding restaurant chefs to use them when they’re readily available elsewhere.
If the Texas legislature insists on doing something about trans fats, it should follow the lead of San Francisco. The city allowed restaurants to apply for seals certifying them to be trans fat free, thus preserving choice and giving consumers the information they might wish to know. Unfortunately, that sensible idea was made irrelevant by California’s statewide ban.
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Jacob Grier is a freelance writer, barista, mixologist, and magician in Portland, OR. He writes, eats, and drinks a lot. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Reason Online, The Oregonian, and other publications.
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What fresh hell is this that Texas should be looking to San Francisco for examples of public policies that promote individual choice and consumer freedom?
I shudder for my home state.
And why is the lege wasting time on this when they still haven’t passed a ban on sexy cheerleading?
Where, pray tell, did you eat your chicken-fried steaks and Tex-Mex?
Various places around Austin and Georgetown. Monument Cafe and Duke’s BBQ were the best, but I didn’t have time to get out and explore.
I’ve been to Duke’s Smokehouse before…good stuff. My buddies and I got our food to go and sat out on the lawn. Afterwards, we enjoyed some Opus X Power Rangers that were absolutely sublime.
I’ve never been to Monument Cafe…although I heard they use kobe beef in their chicken-fried steaks. That sounds decadent. Of course, I’d be the crazy one to take that steak on put it on Texas toast, smother it with gravy and eat it like a sandwich…
If you ever get a chance to go back to Austin, check out Stubb’s Bar-B-Q…one of the best places to be entertained by live music while you graze on charred flesh like a lion grazing on a gazelle…
Thanks for the tips! I don’t remember the steak being Kobe, but it was still pretty good.
I went to Stubb’s about 10 years ago really anticipating an amazing BBQ dinner. We got there and they were out of brisket! The restaurant has been a punchline in my family ever since. Definitely want to check it out again someday.
There is no end to this! Years ago when they started limiting where people could smoke, I thought that if they cared so much for our health they would start limiting what diabetics could eat etc etc. well its here the transfat debate.