Friday, July 25, 2008

Will Trans-Fats Be History or a Black Market?

Now that California has banned trans fats, the question I have now is: will this lead to black markets for foods containing trans fats?

I think the answer to this question will come down to one factor - are trans fats used from a taste quality standpoint, or from a business operations standpoint. If the difference between trans fat foods and non-trans fat foods is noticeable from a consumer standpoint, it's very likely that we'll see illegal markets develop for it. If the difference is something that only affects the bottom lines of the food manufacturers and restaurants who use them, we won't. I think the outcome of these bans will highlight what government is and isn't capable of doing. It can effectively modify behaviors in pursuit of profit, but not in pursuit of pleasure.