ALBANY — The Albany County Health Department announced this morning that the use of trans fats in local restaurants and food service establishments will not be allowed as of Jan. 2, 2009.

Inspectors will be checking restaurant kitchens - including chain restaurants - and violators could be fined as much as $1,000.

A similar ban was enacted in New York City.

County Executive Michael Breslin compared it to laws that prohibit smoking in restaurants and drunken driving and require seat belt use.

"Everyone will be healthier," he said at a news conference this morning. "When people are going out to eat, they will know what to look for and can get non-trans fat food."

Breslin said restaurants must restrict the use of artificial trans fats in oils, shortenings and margarines in deep frying or spreads by Jan. 2, 2009. Artificial trans fat used in baked goods will be restricted as of July 1, 2009.

Manufactured through a chemical process, these trans fats are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Many baked goods, mixes and packaged goods and fry oils, margarines and shortening also contain trans fat.

County Health Commissioner Dr. James Crucetti said research shows a link between artificial trans fat consumption and heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in Albany County.

"This trans fat restriction in restaurants is one effort among other public health approaches that can help improve the health of our residents," he said.