Trans fats are everywhere, and they're dangerous because they are often tied to obesity and heart disease. We know they're bad for us, but we eat them anyway. In January city hall began exploring a way to slow down that consumption -- a trans fat ban in restaurants.
At Cosmos restaurant Roula Alevizos isn't waiting for a city report to make changes. Deep fried breaded shrimp was a customer favourite at her restaurant, but now lemon garlic prawns are served up instead.
Alevizos says they're a healthier alternative.
"They are cooked in olive oil and lemon juice," she told CTV News. "As a mother I try to watch what I feed my family. And as far as the restaurant goes, my guests are just as important."
But you may not see the artery clogging fat dropping off Winnipeg restaurant menus.
City administration is not supporting a ban. Their report even frowns on forcing restaurants to disclose trans fats on their menus.
Dietitian Carrie Maharajh supports the city's decision.
"The restaurants themselves will have to spend a lot of money themselves to find out what exactly is the trans fat content in these foods," she said. "And I'm not sure if they're really trained to do that."
The city's report suggests a restaurant trans fat ban would be too costly to enforce. Officials estimate the city would have to hire two full time inspectors.
Maharajh thinks the problem is too big to big to be taken on at a local level.
"I really think Health Canada needs to take the ball and keep it rolling," she said.
Calgary has already banned its restaurants from using trans fats.
And for now Cosmos will keep some of the less healthy oils in their kitchen.
"Consumers are still asking for it so," she said. "So I really think it should be left up to the consumer."
With a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley.
