LANSING – An amendment by Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) to the Michigan Food Law passed in the House on Wednesday will allow restaurants to voluntarily list trans fats content in the food they serve to their customers. House Bill 4956, sponsored by State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City), took a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing different food industry organizations together to formulate a Food Law that worked well for everyone.
"I applaud Representative Mayes and my Democratic and Republican colleagues for supporting this amendment letting the citizens of Michigan know we are paying attention," Gonzales said. "Adding this trans fats language to the Food Law promotes healthful food choices and gives restaurants an incentive to educate and inform their customers."
Contributing to the biggest rewrite of the Michigan Food Law in 35 years, the legislation revises the Food Law of 2000 and adopts the 2005 version of the Federal Food Code. The bill covers all major facets of food consumption, preparation and regulations, and now for the first time will include language regarding artificial trans fat.
"Research shows that a good diet and adequate physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer – all of which are correlated with the intake of trans fats," Gonzales added. "By acknowledging trans fat in the Food Law, it ensures the issue will not be overlooked by restaurants and customers will get a healthier option when dining out."
Already a sponsor of four trans fat related bills, House Bills 4194-4197, Gonzales is leading the way in Michigan bringing this industrially produced creation to the forefront of conversations. The Gonzales amendment and the Food Law now go to the Senate.