Some hospitals are finally going trans-fat free

At least in Michigan, trans-fats finally are checking out of University of Michigan Health System, according to a December 18th press release. When will hospitals become trans-fat free in other states? It's part of a January 2010 statewide campaign in Michigan. How about trans-fat free hospitals in California?

The University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor is taking another step towards its commitment to improving the health and wellness of patients, visitors, faculty and staff by eliminating industrial trans-fats from patient food programs and retail food operations by January 2010.

Industrial trans-fats have been widely recognized as extraordinarily unhealthy, leading directly to increased levels of low density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and reduced levels of high density lipoproteins (good cholesterol) while contributing to increased obesity, which is now estimated to account for between 9 and 11 percent of total United States health care expenditures.

“We are not replacing foods but modifying the current recipes or changing the menu mix to meet the trans-fat-free standard,” says Craig Luck, contract administrator for Hospital Operations. “This is another step forward of us offering healthier food choices.”

Healthier fats will be used in all food preparation and all commercial food products will be trans-fat-free, which means the trans fat content is less than 0.5 grams per serving. Patients and retail customers should notice no change in taste, due to the use of high quality fat substitutes. All customers should continue to look for the MHealthy logo for healthier food choices.

The trans-fat free initiative supports the Michigan Hospital Association’s ongoing commitment to community health improvement as one of the association’s four strategic pillars for Michigan health care reform. In addition, the initiative allows Michigan hospitals to lead their communities in minimizing the presence of an unhealthy substance that contributes to the poor health status of many Michigan residents.

The MHA is the statewide leader representing all of the 144 community hospitals in Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care. For further information, check out the MHA site or UMHS Retail Food Services. How many other states have trans-fat free hospitals and similar institutions?