Kaiser Permanente Eliminates Use of Trans Fat Two Years Ahead of New State Law

PASADENA, Calif.-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Further illustrating its industry leading efforts in preventive healthcare, 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, AB 97, has three notable phases that become effective at cooking establishments on January 1^st of these respective years:

• By 2009, all food or food additives on the premises that include fat, oil, shortening, and the like, must maintain the original label that was on the item at the time of purchase by the food facility.
• By 2010, additives with artificial trans fat are prohibited from use in spreads and frying (except for the deep frying of yeast dough and cake batter).
• By 2011, artificial trans fat is prohibited from use in the deep frying of yeast dough and cake batter. For the latter two phases, the law exempts food sold or served in a manufacturer’s original, sealed package.

Steve Griffith, who works at Kaiser Permanente’s Bellflower Medical Center and who is a member of the Food and Nutritional Services Peer Group 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!”

Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health plan. 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 3.2 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 nearly 56,000 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 www.kaiserpermanente.org.

Kaiser Permanente

Southern California Region

Calvin Naito

Office: 626-405-5788

Cell: 323-983-3197