Starbucks going Trans Fat Free

The latest to join the trans fat free posse, Starbucks, the Seattle chain of coffee shops announced its intentions of going trans fat free.

The move makes Starbucks the latest in a string of U.S. restaurant chains to remove trans fats from its menu. Spokesman for the coffee shop chain, Brandon Borrman updated that the recipe of all its items at all of its stores across United States (over 5000) would be free of trans fats by the end of the year.

Trans fat, also known as trans fatty acids, is an artery-clogging fat that is formed when vegetable oils are hardened into margarine or shortening. Known to increase blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, while lowering levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol, trans fat also causes obesity, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.

As trans fat reduces manufacturing cost, extends storage life of products and improves flavor and texture, it is widely used over vegetable oil.

Known for its serious health problems, food giants have been under continuous pressure from consumer and health groups demanding a switch over to a healthier version of cooking oil.

The announcement brings Starbucks in line with other food brands like KFC, Wendy, Frito Lays, Ruby Tuesday, that have already gained success in removing trans fat from most of their menu items.

Though, Starbucks has already replaced trans fat in its foodstuffs like seasonal pumpkin muffins and gingerbread, change in the remaining menu is still awaited.

Borrman was unsure about trans-fat plans for locations outside the U.S. and Canada. But outlets in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. will be sans trans fat beginning Wednesday, he added.

Founded in 1971, Starbucks is the world's largest multinational chain of coffee shops with more than 12,400 stores worldwide.