El Pinto Eliminates Trans Fats in Frying
El Pinto Eliminates All Trans Fats in Frying And Uses High Quality Rice Bran Oil
Nov 18, 2013
El Pinto Restaurant has eliminated partially hydrogenated oils from all frying and fried foods served in the restaurant. Partially hydrogenated oils and the artificial and highly unhealthy trans fat produced, are recently targeted by the FDA as “no longer generally recognized as safe.”
“The consumer places trust with restaurants to serve healthy and nutritious foods,” states Jim Thomas, co-owner of El Pinto Restaurant. Jim continues, “We made the move to high quality sunflower oil that is trans fat free numerous years ago, and more recently began using rice bran oil, which is high in antioxidants and can actually help reduce blood cholesterol.” All El Pinto chips are fried throughout each day on site in rice bran oil that is non-GMO, unprocessed, additive free, and trans fat free. Chips are salted with high quality unprocessed Celtic Sea Salt before serving.
The FDA recently issued preliminary determination for comment stating that partially hydrogenated oils used with many fried foods are no longer generally recognized as safe. This may make partially hydrogenated oils illegal to be sold in the United Sates. Restaurants may use partially hydrogenated oils for frying because they are inexpensive and help increase restaurant profitability.
El Pinto eliminated partially hydrogenated frying oil years ago, however it is a buyer beware marketplace. “Ask the chef when dining out what oil they fry in and if it is partially hydrogenated,” states John Thomas, co-owner of El Pinto. “We welcome those types of questions at El Pinto and want consumers to make educated and healthy decisions.” Enjoy your chips and salsa at the beginning of the meal and sopapillas at the end with confidence the oil used is naturally healthy and trans fat free.
El Pinto Restaurant and Salsa Co. continues to expand in its 51st year with an emphasis on serving nutritious, locally raised, and organic foods. El Pinto Restaurant has grown from a few tables in one room started by John and Jim Thomas' parents, to become the most famous restaurant in New Mexico with beautiful patios, natural wood burning fireplaces, and healthy New Mexican cuisine. El Pinto Salsa has recently expanded with the addition of the convenient single serving cup which reduces product waste and increases consumer satisfaction. The restaurant and salsa manufacturing facility are co-located on property in the North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
About El Pinto Restaurant & Salsa Co:
Established 50-years ago, El Pinto is a quintessential icon for New Mexican cuisine. Conveniently located in the North Valley of Albuquerque just off I-25, the serene patios located under beautiful cottonwood trees provide an iconic experience. El Pinto is known nationally for its fire-roasted green chile and fresh flavorful salsa distributed across the national in local grocery stores. The salsa and green chile factory is located on the same grounds as the restaurant. For an authentic taste of New Mexico, visit El Pinto for its fresh iconic food, traditional margaritas, and award winning chile. www.elpinto.com