Boston has joined others cities in banning artery-clogging trans fats from food served in restaurants and grocery stores. Businesses, as well as schools and hospitals, will have to stop using oils and spreads that contain trans fats. Prepackaged foods such as a bag of chips or cookies won't be included.
The city Public Health Commission approved the ban unanimously Thursday. Fines would be up to $1,000 per violation.
New York and Philadelphia have similar bans. Many Boston restaurants have already stopped using trans fats. Also known as partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats extend a food's shelf life and enhance flavor.
