In many European countries there is universal health care. With healthcare coming from taxpayer's pockets, it’s no surprise that many of these countries have banned trans fats. Trans fats cause cancer, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, depression, and a host of other disorders. Chicago is currently poised to join the esteemed ranks of these enlightened European countries--a ban on trans fats in restaurants in that city is currently being considered. This proposal comes not long after Men's Fitness magazine proclaimed Chicago as the "Fattest City"! If the ban passes, Chicago will be the first U.S. city with such a ban, but not the first city to stop serving trans fats. In the town of Tiburon, Ca, restaurant owners have apparently taken it upon themselves to quit serving the health-destroying oils. Incidentally, a recent study sought to determine which countries were home to the happiest people--Denmark took first--a country that banned trans fats and has universal health care. New York Times Article on banning Trans Fats
Update 11/07/2006:  New York is now considering a ban on trans fats!