Lowes Hotels became the first hotel group to announce it was banning artificial trans fats from food sold in its restaurants, shops and mini-bars, but it will certainly not be the last.
The chain said it was banning trans fats to “set the standard for the industry,” according to a spokesman.
The move will involve 18 hotels in the US and Canada.
Loews Hotels will ban artificial trans fats from the food sold in its restaurants, shops and room mini-bars at its 18 hotels in the United States and Canada, including three near Universal Studios Orlando.
The chain, which plans to implement the prohibition in phases, said it would stop selling foods containing the unhealthy fats by next June.
Loews spokeswoman Emily Goldfischer said:
“We are committed to giving our guests the best foods available.”
The New York City Board of Health imposed a trans-fat ban on the 24,000 restaurants it regulates just a few days ago.
Ms Goldfischer said in news reports that the New York-based Loews had been contemplating its own restriction for months, and the timing of the two announcements was coincidental.
Trans fats extend the shelf life of prepared foods but have been linked to heart disease. They are frequently used in frying oils and as an additive in pastries, salad dressings and an assortment of other edibles.
“We aren’t doing this because of any guest complaints,” Ms Goldfischer said. “We are doing it because we think it is the right thing to do.”
Report by David Wilkening
