Sep 2, 2007 4:28 pm US/Central
Trans Fat-Free Craze Hits State Fair
by James Schugel
Falcon Heights, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Among the foods prepared without trans fat oils this year were the ever-popular Pronto Pups. (File)
Many wouldn't argue that a Pronto Pup is a tasty example of State Fair cuisine, but there are few who would dare call it one of the fair's healthy food options.
Still, the Pronto Pup and many other foods at the fair are indeed healthier than they were in years past, as they are now cooked without using trans fat oils.
Bucking the tradition of hopping aboard the guilt trip express, this year's foods offered fairgoers the option of feeling a tad less guilty.
When Sue Malina was informed that her fried cheese curds were actually made without trans fat this year, she seemed surprised but still grounded.
"Better than it was before, but still not healthy, I guess," she said.
At least 36 vendors display a sign that signals their foods were cooked in "trans fat-free oils."
Fair organizers asked vendors to do away with the trans fats, which have been medically shown to increase the risk of heart attacks and raise bad cholesterol levels.
"We're trying to give people the option," said administrator Dennis Larson, who feels the new signs help people make a more informed decision on what to eat.
Though the Indiana State Fair made all their vendors stop using trans fat oils, Minnesota State Fair officials said they probably won't take so drastic a step. They said they don't want to go so far as to
control how everyone cooks their foods.
Among the vendors who have taken a healthier approach to State Fair cuisine are Stephanie and Mike Olson of the Blue Moon Dine-In Theatre.
The Olsons cook their burgers in an oven in the kitchen before finishing them off up front in a Panini press. Furthermore, they don't even use a deep fryer to make all their drive-in dishes.
"It doesn't mean that our food doesn't taste good. It tastes outstanding. We hear it all the time," said Mike Olson.
Their idea is helping fair-goers make a "heart healthy choice," among all the possibilities to make an unhealthy one.
In addition to the signs touting trans fat-free vendors, there are also signs denoting stands whose foods are gluten free.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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