16A — Cooking oil/shortening/margarine contains artificial trans fat
NYC bans cooking oils, shortenings, and margarines that carry 0.5 g or more of artificial trans fat per serving. This is a non-scored nutrition item (0 grade points), so it won't change your letter grade, but it's a citable rule. "Partially hydrogenated" oil on an ingredient label is the tell-tale sign of artificial trans fat. Virtually all modern foodservice oils are already trans-fat-free, so this usually only catches an old or off-brand product. Keep the spec sheets on file to prove compliance.
What the inspector looks for
Check the labels/specs on your cooking oils, shortenings, and margarines — none in use may contain 0.5 g or more of artificial trans fat per serving. A product whose label shows partially hydrogenated oil is the problem. (Non-scored nutrition item.)
How it's scored
This is an administrative item — it is not scored toward your A/B/C letter grade, but it can still be cited on an inspection.
How to fix it
Remove and replace any product containing artificial trans fat with a compliant alternative.
How to prevent it
Buy only trans-fat-free oils, shortenings and margarines; keep nutrition labels/specs on file.
- ✓Buy only oils, shortenings, and margarines labeled trans-fat-free (no partially hydrogenated oils).
- ✓Keep nutrition labels or supplier spec sheets on file for every fat product you use.
- ✓Check ingredient lists when switching brands or suppliers — "partially hydrogenated" disqualifies it.
- ✓Naturally occurring trans fat (in meat/dairy) is fine; only added artificial trans fat is banned.
Reference: Health Code §81.08(a)
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