62% of Americans Say Removing Trans-Fats from Restaurant Foods Will Result in Healthier Diets

A recent survey by Lightspeed Research, a global interactive market research solutions provider, revealed that 62% of U.S. respondents are convinced that removing trans-fats from restaurant foods will result in healthier diets for everyone. The poll, which collected responses from 101,467 U.S. adults age 18 and over, also showed that 21% of respondents feel that removing trans-fats from food served in restaurants will raise the cost of food served in restaurants. Lightspeed Research completed this poll to gauge public response to a variety of government and corporate initiatives to improve public health by eliminating trans-fats in prepared foods. Results from our poll suggest there is wide support for initiatives to eliminate the use of trans-fats in restaurants, tempered by concerns about the impact on food costs and flavor. Men are more sensitive than women to the potential negative impact on taste of removing trans-fats, with 15% of males (versus 10 % of females) saying that removing trans-fats will reduce the tastiness of the food. Younger respondents are more likely to believe that removing trans-fats will result in higher food costs at restaurants: 24% of respondents aged 18 to 24 agreed versus only 17% of respondents over age 65. The 18 to 24 year olds are more likely to feel that food without trans-fats will not taste as good. Many states are spearheading movements to remove trans-fats (partially hydrogenated oils commonly found in processed foods) from food served in restaurants. Removing trans-fats from foods served in restaurants (check all that apply): OVERALL RESULTS Will make food served in restaurants more healthy for everyone 62% Will help me maintain a healthy diet 32% Will raise the cost of food served in restaurants 21% Won’t affect me in any way 16% Will reduce the tastiness of restaurant food 11% Respondents were allowed to select more than one answer choice. GENDER Female Male Will make food served in restaurants more healthy for everyone 64% 58% Will help me maintain a healthy diet 32% 30% Will raise the cost of food served in restaurants 20% 22% Won’t affect me in any way 14% 19% Will reduce the tastiness of restaurant food 10% 15% Respondents were allowed to select more than one answer choice. AGE 18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65+  Will make food served in restaurants more healthy for everyone 61% 60% 60% 62% 67% 69% Will help me maintain a healthy diet 35% 31% 30% 31% 33% 37% Will raise the cost of food served in restaurants 24% 23% 22% 20% 19% 17% Won’t affect me in any way 17% 17% 16% 15% 13% 14% Will reduce the tastiness of restaurant food 15% 11% 12% 11% 10% 9% Respondents were allowed to select more than one answer choice. This Poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of Internet users in general, nor the public as a whole. Respondents were allowed to select more than one answer choice. Press Inquiries: Lightspeed Research, Lynnette McCarthy, Marketing Director, North America, +1 (908) 630-0542, or send an email to info@lightspeedresearch.com. About Lightspeed Research Poll Any opinions or advice presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the WPP Group. Lightspeed Research online poll rapidly gathers opinions about topical issues and delivers reliable results in as little as 24 hours. More information on this survey and the Lightspeed Research online poll is available at www.lightspeedresearch.com, or email us at info@lightspeedresearch.com. Polls are open to all in the Lightspeed Research panels and do not have any quota controls. About Lightspeed Research Lightspeed Research is a global interactive online market research solutions provider delivering effective research results through global online panels. Through its network of panels, Lightspeed Research can provide access to household members across 34 countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. Lightspeed Research's panels are recruited and maintained to ensure quality and representative sampling to support studies that range in scope and complexity across most industry sectors. Lightspeed Research operates specialty panels covering healthcare, financial services, automotive, B2B, telecommunications, family and more. The company also provides custom panel solutions for clients, building customized panels to address specific client needs. Lightspeed Research is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world's leading communications services companies. For more information, please visit www.lightspeedresearch.com or send an e-mail to info@lightspeeedreserach.com.