Trans-Fat Free Hotels

Business travelers now have the option to avoid trans-fats when traveling, even when they stray from New York. Hotels around the country are cooking up something new - trans-fat free food.

Loews Hotels announced the intended ban of artificial trans-fats in December. The yesterday announced the accomplishment of the first step in the process with elimination of trans-fats in all frying oils and French fries. By June of 2007, Lowes expects to complete the ban of all artificial trans-fats at each and every of the company’s 18 properties in the U.S. and Canada. The ban will apply to restaurants, room service, banquet functions and even snack foods found in the in-room mini-bar.

Marriott Properties, the green leader of the US hotel industry, is taking the final step in it’s trans-fat program. By February 15, 2007, all french fries served in Marriott International hotels will be prepared using something other than partially-hydrogenated oils, which are a primary source of trans fats. Marriott has already eliminated trans fats from artisanal breads, salad dressings, pancake and waffle mixes, muffins, croissants and cookies at all hotels in the U.S. and Canada.

I bet all of the New Yorkers out there are going to be really smug about being the first.