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Good News – Last week, the Massachusetts State House passed Representative Koutoujian’s bill, HB 4346, that would phase out artificial trans fat in Massachusetts restaurants and other food-service facilities. Letters from constituents like you really make a difference!

We need your help again. Please email your state Senator and ask him/her to support HB 4346. Massachusetts is getting very close to becoming the first state to enact a law phasing-out trans fat in restaurants. You can help make it happen!

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

On June 4, 2008, the Massachusetts State House passed, by an overwhelming majority, Representative Koutoujian's bill, HB 4346, that would phase out artificial trans fat in Massachusetts restaurants and other food-service facilities. I urge you to support this bill.

Trans fat increases blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, the number-one cause of death for Americans. Harvard researchers recently estimated that each year trans fat has been causing 72,000 to 228,000 heart attacks, including roughly 50,000 fatal ones. For every year that Massachusetts waits to ban trans fat from restaurants, hundreds or thousands of residents will suffer fatal and non-fatal heart attacks. Those illnesses and deaths are unnecessary, and many could be prevented by passage of HB 4346.

Since January 2006, almost all packaged foods have been required to list the trans fat content on their Nutrition Facts labels. However, restaurants are exempt from such disclosure. Yet, Massachusetts residents are getting about one-third of their calories from restaurants and cafeterias, and many such foods contain high levels of trans fat. For instance, a KFC Chicken Pot Pie contains 14 grams of trans fat-7 times the daily maximum intake!

Boston and Brookline have already passed trans fat phase-outs in restaurants. Soon, diners in those areas will be eating healthier foods. Shouldn't all of Massachusetts' residents be entitled to that healthier food?

According to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), supplies of alternative, healthier oils have vastly increased over the last several years, and industry has the capability of meeting the needs as the demand increases.  In addition, switching to trans fat-free oils does not increase costs-but it should cut health-care costs.

Organizations supporting this bill include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Cardiology, the American Diabetes Association, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Massachusetts Health Council, Massachusetts Hospital Association and MASSPIRG.

HB 4346 is an important way to protect Massachusetts citizens from heart disease and premature death. Please let me know if you will support this important bill.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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