Illinois House Votes to Ban Trans Fats

Trans fats could soon be illegal in Illinois.

The state House of Representatives has voted to ban trans fats in all restaurants before 2013. It would also force schools to throw out some snack foods sold in vending machines.

State Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago), said trans fats increase the risk of diabetes and obesity.

"It's worse than saturated fat, because it eats away at the good cholesterol and worsens the bad cholesterol. So it has a double effect," Ford said.

California is the only other state in the U.S. to have banned trans fats. Oak Brook-based McDonald's also recently cut trans fats from its U.S. menus.

The measure still needs approval in the state senate.