When New York City's ban on trans fat went into effect a few years ago, a number of other cities and states took notice and began phasing out its use, as well.
Although the option recently seemed to be picking up steam in Ohio, it will not be adopted in the Buckeye State, after all. Cleveland was slated to ban trans fats beginning in 2013, but Ohio lawmakers just added a provision to the state budget that forbids local governments from making such regulatory mandates.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, such nutrition-based regulations are now left up to the director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Cleveland City Council plans to challenge the provision in court.
The budget amendment was introduced by Canton Republican Sen. Scott Oelslager at the request of the Ohio Restaurant Association.
The ORA said these types of local laws create an uneven playing field and that eating choices should be left up to consumers.
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