Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's top doc, is urging Toronto eateries to reduce the use of trans fats in their food.

As part of a planned report to the city's board of health, McKeown is asking for new rules that would limit the use of deadly trans fats to less than 2% of any dish. The new rules would be implemented by 2008.

The announcement was also joined by the Heart and Stroke Foundation's request for the federal government to follow up on recommendations made by a federal task force that examined the situation last year.

While this announcement stops short of advocating a NYC-style total ban on trans fats, he states that the federal government will have to be involved in order to kick start the changes needed. It is hoped that Health Minister Tony Clement and city officials can meet to see how the feds feel about the change.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association has also pledged its support for the plan.

blogTO flickr pool photo byJen Chan