Does the thought of ingesting E.Coli and eating trans fat (food that increases your risk for developing diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and fatigue) appeal to you? If it does, then go order a big juicy hamburger with a large fry and large soft drink from you favorite fast food place. If it doesnt, then please read on.

Here are the facts stated on TBO.com on Feb 13, 2006. A 12 year old girl, Jasmine Roberts, did a science project comparing toilet bowl water to the ice used in drinks at fast food restaurants. She tested the bacteria in the ice to the bacteria in the toilet bowl water in each restaurant. She collected ice from the self-service dispensers and ice from drinks from the drive-through. Jasmine discovered that 70% of the time the ice had more bacteria than the toilet water and that in 3 of the 5 restaurants the bacteria in the ice tested positive for E.Coli.

If the ice machine is that dirty dont you kind of wonder about the rest of the equipment. What about the dispensers for your soda or warmers that your fries sit in? What kind of bacteria would be found there? Unfortunately we dont have an answer unless Jasmine decides to do another science project.

Now for the trans fat issue. According to an Associated Press article published on Feb 22, 2006, McDonalds announced that its French fries contain a third more trans fat than previously thought. Each serving of large fries has 30 grams total fat and 8 grams trans fat. In 2002 McDonalds announced that it was going to reduce trans fat by switching to a new oil. They did this in other countries such as Australia, Denmark, and Israel by cooking the fries in canola oil; however, they have been reluctant to do it in the United States. Cooking the fries in canola oil will change the taste of the fries, but it is healthier for our hearts. Which is more important?

Its time we stand up for better health. If you want the convenience of fast food, then you need to voice your opinion too. Write letters, call, dont buy the fries. If the market demands healthier food, then businesses will meet the demand by producing healthier foods. You are in control of what you eat and what you buy. Make smart decisions.

McDonalds is not the only fast food restaurant to blame. There are plenty of other restaurants that use trans fat in their food. The hard part is you dont know who uses it and how much is used. The federal government doesnt require restaurants to state the amount of trans fat in their food. The best thing you could do is to make your own food. Plan out your meals for the week. Save yourself some calories, money, hospital bills, prescriptions drugs, etc.

If I still didnt convince you to think twice before eating fast food than please avoid the fries and drinks and get a burger without the bun (more trans fat).