Dining Services is cutting back on trans fats in the dining halls.

Almost all deep-fried products are now cooked with trans-fat free, soy-based oils, said Kenneth Whitney, university chef for Dining Services. Foods such as doughnuts and scrambled eggs may contain trans fats, but the amount per serving is less than 0.5 grams, he said.

According to MedicineNet.com, trans fats are “an unhealthy substance… made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils.”

Baked goods and snack foods such as candy, cookies, crackers, muffins, potato chips, convenience foods and margarine may contain trans fats, Whitney said. There are also small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats in some animal products, such as butter, milk, cheese, beef and lamb, though these amounts are very low and not of great concern, he said.

“Trans fats, just like any fat, are a concern in the American diet,” Whitney said. “While it is important to watch the levels of trans fat, it is just as important to look at all the nutrients on the nutrition facts label.”

Some foods may be low in trans fats, but high in saturated fats, calories, sugar and cholesterol, he said. Saturated fat and trans fat can increase blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

Moira Snyder, a sophomore elementary education major and Douglas Hall resident, eats lunch and dinner daily in the dining halls, she said. She is very pleased with the decision by Dining Services.

“I think, in general, trans fats are a big concern,” Snyder said.

Michelle Matusiak, a sophomore geology major and fellow Douglas Hall resident, eats in the dining halls daily, and usually opts for anything with chicken, she said. Some of her favorite foods in the dining halls include turkey, pizza, sandwiches and wraps. Though Matusiak does not always make healthy choices, she is pleased Dining Services is making more healthy choices available, she said.

“I don’t think it is a huge concern at NIU,” she said. “I don’t think people actually count calories when they’re here, but I’m really glad they’ve changed the oils because it is a lot healthier.”