First New York goes smoke-free, now it’s asking its restaurants to stop serving foods prepared with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, better known as trans fat. What else will those big government northeastern liberal elites think of next? Moreover, might such an initiative make its way down to the District?

Healthwise, the District may very well have cause to push a similar trans fat free initiative. Heart disease — which has been closely linked to the consumption of trans fatty foods — was the leading cause of death of District residents in 1998, accounting for 25 percent of all deaths, according to the D.C. Department of Health. African-American disproportionately suffered from heart disease deaths, more than doubling the number for white residents. The District’s Healthy People 2010 Plan specific identifies lowering the heart disease death rate from 263.2 to 210.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, though no specific mention is made of educational or prevention programs with regards to trans fatty foods.

Today the Post editorialized on the very issue, and while not focusing specifically on the District, wrote,

Trans fat is a cheap ingredient — cheaper than more healthful alternatives. It is not about to disappear from the sizzling fryers of America’s restaurants and the baked goods shelves of its supermarkets. But a public education campaign might go a long way toward making consumers smarter and inducing those who make, sell and serve food to offer more wholesome alternatives and to contribute to a healthier population.

But how would such an initiative be received in the District? Considering the frosty reception the proposal for smoke-free bars and restaurants received in and out of the City Council, it’d be hard to believe that Washington’s seemingly libertarian bend would be open to government-sponsored proposals on food and nutrition. But given the health issues involved, will D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams follow New York’s lead?