Press Box: It's All About The Oil

McDonald's Quickens Franchise Conversion, But No New Oil Yet
McDonald's Corp. CEO Jim Skinner said the chain plans to quicken the transfer of corporate stores to franchisees. He also stated that McDonald's is making "very good progress" toward developing a healthier oil for french fries cooked in its U.S. restaurants but would not give a timetable for when a switch will be made. [AP]

Taco Bell Joins Growing Fast Food Chains To Trim Trans Fat
Taco Bell, a division of Yum Brands, announced it will join the growing number of fast food chains in removing trans fats from its menu items. Wendy's first switched its oil in August to trans-fat free. KFC then announced it would eliminate its trans-fat filled cooking oil in its 5,500 U.S. restaurants by April 2007. And Burger King announced last month it would begin testing trans fat-free oil in the next three months. [Chicago Tribune]

NYC's Proposed Trans Fat Ban Likely To Get More Time
New York City restaurants may get more time to rid their menus of trans fats after the health commissioner said the Bloomberg administration was almost certain to revise its proposed ban before the Board of Health meets next month. The 18-month timetable for the phase-out of trans fat could be extended, and measures could be added to assist businesses with the transition. [NY Sun]

Speaking of bans, Britain's Office of Communications announced today a ban on television advertising on food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt. It's part of an effort by the government to reduce the proportion of unhealthy food being eaten by its citizens. [MarketWatch]