New York is doing it. Now, so it Starbucks. Could Portland be next to ban trans fats in restaurants?

According to City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Portland is looking very seriously at banning trans fats this year.

“We have considered exploring the possibility of doing something similar to what New York did,” said Leonard.

New York City made big news when it decided to ban the chemically altered vegetable oil at all restaurants and eateries beginning in June.

AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Kentucky Fried Chicken employee Alberto Ravelo displays an example of the company's trans fat-free Extra Crispy fried chicken in New York. The Big Apple is considering a city-wide trans fat ban.

Starbucks announced earlier this week it would cut back in trans fats in its baked goods.

Commissioner Randy Leonard says the city of Portland has already discussed a similar ban.

That possibility did not sit well with some local restaurant owners.

“I think what you’re banning is the choice to have a choice,” said David McKay, owner of Halibut’s in NE Portland. The restaurant is known for its fish and chips, which are fried in trans fat oil.

“This is the finest fish and chips in Portland. Why would I want to mess that up?” said McKay. “So until I can find a zero trans fat that will make it taste like the best fish and chips in Portland, then I don’t see myself switching it.”

Not all local restaurants are opposed to the ban.

“I’m not opposed to a little bit of monitoring of what restaurants are putting on the plate,” said Mother’s Bistro owner Lisa Schroeder. Schroeder favored personal choice but said she’d be OK with a ban if it meant protecting Portlanders.

A less severe option would be to require restaurants to disclose trans fats to customers.

There was no timetable for when Portland might take action on the issue.