Look at the package label or ingredients list to see if "partially hydrogenated," "shortening," or "margarine" are listed. If none of these terms appear, you may use the product.

In professional kitchens, artificial trans fat is found not just in oils, margarines and shortenings, but in many prepared foods, partially pre-cooked foods and mixes. Beginning January 1, 2008, artificial trans fat in any of these types of prepared foods must be restricted. Fortunately, finding it is easy.

Here are some common sources of artificial trans fat:

• Baked goods (cookies, crackers, cakes, pies, muffins, taco shells, and some breads, such as hamburger buns)
• Pre-mixed products (cake, pancake, salad dressing, croutons, breadcrumbs and chocolate drink mix; pizza dough; laminated doughs)
• Pre-fried frozen foods (French fries, fish sticks, chicken nuggets)
• Snack foods (potato, corn, and tortilla chips; packaged or microwave popcorn)

These foods are exempt from regulation if they are served to customers in the manufacturer's sealed, original packaging.

All of these items can be made without artificial trans fat.

To determine whether or not a prepared food or mix contains artificial trans fat, read the label on the package or ask the supplier to provide a letter listing the product's ingredients. Learn how to read food labels.

To learn more about zero trans fat products go to notransfatnyc.org or contact your supplier.