Papa Gino's Pizzeria and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches Eliminate All Artificial Trans Fat From More than 370 Restaurants

Papa Gino's Pizzeria and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches announced the unveiling of a completely artificial trans fat-free menu. Both restaurants, under the Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. umbrella, began working to eliminate artificial trans fat more than 3 years ago by replacing their cooking oil for fried foods. Working with a combined 20 suppliers over the past three years, Papa Gino's and D'Angelo eliminated artificial trans fat in every facet of the menu from appetizers to desserts. Now guests at any Papa Gino's or D'Angelo can order any product on the menu, including desserts, soups and chips, and are assured that zero artificial trans fats are in their selections.

Dedham, MA (PRWEB) January 17, 2008 -- Papa Gino's Pizzeria and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches announced the unveiling of a completely artificial trans fat-free menu. Both restaurants, under the Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. umbrella, began working to eliminate artificial trans fat more than 3 years ago by replacing their cooking oil for fried foods. Working with a combined 20 suppliers over the past three years, Papa Gino's and D'Angelo eliminated artificial trans fat in every facet of the menu from appetizers to desserts. Now guests at any Papa Gino's or D'Angelo can order any product on the menu, including desserts, soups and chips, and are assured that zero artificial trans fats are in their selections.

Over the past three years more than 50 products or ingredients were modified to accommodate the chains' goal for completely removing artificial trans fat throughout their restaurants. The revised menu items were tested at Papa Gino's Holdings Corp.'s corporate kitchen for quality, taste and ease of operation, and have been gradually introduced in restaurants.

"Over the past three years, our research and development team worked to eliminate artificial trans fat in more than 50 products or ingredients, going above and beyond what is currently required," said Tom Galligan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. "Our new artificial trans fat-free menu allows us to remain a step ahead of new or proposed legislature, and more importantly gives our guests piece of mind when eating at either Papa Gino's or D'Angelo."

The move from Papa Gino's and D'Angelo answers the growing health and legislative movements to ban artificial trans fat from cities across the country, including New York City and Philadelphia. The artificial trans fat-free movement began in the early 2000s and continues to be a critical topic for restaurants in the U.S. moving forward. Under Federal regulations, food labels are allowed to state they have zero grams of trans fat, provided levels fall below the half-gram threshold.

Artificial trans fat is formed when liquid vegetable oils go through a chemical process called hydrogenation, in which hydrogen is added to make the oils more solid. Hydrogenated vegetable fats are used by food processors because they allow longer shelf life and give food desirable taste, shape and texture. Artificial trans fat is most likely found in shortenings, margarine, cookies, crackers, snack foods, fried foods, doughnuts, pastries, baked goods and other processed foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils.

Many cities, including Boston, are seriously considering an artificial trans fat ban with a goal to help their constituents eat healthier and avoid costly long-term health issues. The health risks of eating a diet high in artificial trans fats, includes increased risk for heart disease and stroke. For women the risk is even greater. According to the comprehensive Nurses Health Study, the largest investigation of women and chronic disease, trans fat double the risk of heart disease in women.

Papa Gino's and D'Angelo's new artificial trans fat-free menus have been in place at all restaurants since Jan. 2, 2008.

Papa Gino's Holdings Corp.

Based in Dedham, Massachusetts, Papa Gino's Holdings Corporation is the parent company of Papa Gino's and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches. Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. operates more than 370 company-owned and franchised Papa Gino's, D'Angelo and dual-location restaurants and employs more than 5,000 people. Both D'Angelo and Papa Gino's are committed to providing high-quality products, attentive service, clean, convenient, attractive restaurants, and a premium value experience for every guest. The company culture, which is characterized by its values, a strong work ethic and the fair treatment of people, includes a large number of people who have spent their entire working lives in these restaurants, keeping the passion for excellence alive. For more information about Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. and its brands, please visit www.papaginos.com.

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