Press Releases: Southern California
December 17, 2008
Kaiser Permanente Eliminates Use of Trans Fat Two Years Ahead of New State Law
Action underscores a commitment to preventive health care that the public is urged to embrace during the holidays and throughout the new year
PASADENA, Calif. – Further illustrating its industry-leading efforts in preventive health care, Kaiser Permanente has eliminated the use of artery-clogging trans fat from all of its Southern California facilities, over two years in advance of a new state law banning such fats from food-serving establishments throughout California. In banning trans fats from its patient menus, employee cafeterias, and vending machines, Kaiser Permanente is doing its part to protect individuals from an ingredient proven to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death nationwide.
Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fat can add to the shelf life of foods and preserve flavor. However, trans fat is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses, contributing to the premature deaths of many thousands of Americans each year.
The new state law, Assembly Bill 97, has three notable phases that become effective at cooking establishments on Jan. 1 of these respective years:
This effort is part of Kaiser Permanente's Healthy Picks Program launched in 2005. The program sets the standards for promoting healthier food choices in all Kaiser Permanente cafeterias, vending services and patient meals. Steve Griffith, who works at Kaiser Permanente's Bellflower Medical Center and is co-chair of the National Joint Thrive Healthy Picks Committee that led the zero trans fat effort, said, "Our team took the initiative and methodically identified and removed trans fats from our facilities. We went through our kitchens and vending machines and threw out the bad and replaced it with the good. We just did it, and almost no one even noticed. The food still tastes great. The only difference is that now they – Kaiser Permanente Southern California patients, employees, and visitors – are healthier, two years in advance of the new law."
Kaiser Permanente physicians and nutritionists are available for interviews about the negative effects of trans fats and the proactive elimination program. The media is also invited to guided tours of hospital food preparation areas – which can include healthy cooking demonstrations – and also to tours of Kaiser Permanente's cafeterias and dining areas. Sample zero trans fat holiday menus for family gatherings are also available.
Dr. Benjamin Chu, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, said, "Year 2009 is near. This is a time to make your New Year resolutions. As always, the most popular resolutions are related to health. People want a healthier lifestyle and diet, and we at Kaiser Permanente want that for everyone. Embrace this food change during the holidays and beyond. Make the elimination of trans fats from your diet one of your new year resolutions for 2009!"
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of the nation’s leading integrated health plans. Founded in 1945, it is a nonprofit, group practice prepayment program with Southern California headquarters in Pasadena, California. Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of 3.3 million members in Southern California. Today it encompasses the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California Region includes more than 55,800 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 6,400 physicians representing all specialties. More information about Kaiser Permanente can be found at kaiserpermanente.org.
