Trans Fat Conscious? Here's a New Badge to Look Out For

Restaurant owners will have a chance to show off their green stripes starting next month if they can prove that their menus are trans fat free. In accordance with a new participatory program mandated by the Board of Supervisors and Mayor Gavin Newsom, the San Francisco Department of Public Health will reward a decal of a green heart displaying the Golden Gate Bridge to restaurants that pony up $250 and document every ingredient served, or are willing to spend $150 for an inspection. The badge will display the words "Trans Fat Free San Francisco Restaurant."

Trans-fat is an unsaturated fat found in cakes and salad dressing that can raise cholesterol and contribute to heart problems, diabetes or obesity. But many restaurants in the Bay Area already claim to be trans fat free. No word whether your local fast food chains are up for the challenge. --Edward Paik