FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Florida State Fair Bans Trans-Fat Cooking Oil

-Taste of the Fair could change…for the better!-

4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821             Fax (813) 740-3505             http://www.floridastatefair.com/

[NEWS RELEASE] TAMPA, FL. — February 5, 2008.   Florida State Fair officials have required their food vendors to eliminate trans-fat cooking oils in their deep fryers this year.  The Florida State Fair who joins a list of state fairs across the country trying to cut down on some of the fat.

“Food is a main attraction at the State Fair,” said Vince Caruso, Marketing Director for the Florida State Fair, “This is something we’ve discussed for a while and we’re glad we can help promote a healthier fair without sacrificing taste at all. If you’ve looked forward to a deep-fried corn dog, rest assured, we’ll have it waiting for you and it may even taste better than last year.”

Trans-fat, or partially hydrogenated cooling oil, raises LDL, or “bad cholesterol.” But banning it from the State Fair, or eating food without it, doesn’t mean you’re fair food is healthier. A corn dog is still fried.  At least this year, your favorite fried fare will not be as harmful.

The State Fair features more than 100 different types of food. A partial list of some newer items is included below:
• Fried cookie dough
• Mexican “wet burritos…”walking tacos”
• Fried fruit on a stick
• Deep-fried fudge
• Steamed clams
• Deep-fried bratwurst
• Pizza-on-a stick
 
New foods that can be found in the La Plaza Hispanic Village:

• Authentic Columbian: Carne a la Llanera
• Authentic Mexican: Tamales, chile relleno, and burritos
• Authentic Puerto Rican: Arroz con gandules and pernil

All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices, and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.  Fair gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 11; and free for children five and younger.  NO RE-ENTRY is permitted without an admission ticket.  Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and parking is free during the 12 days of the Fair. 

The Florida State Fairgrounds is located just seven miles east of downtown Tampa, with easy access via I-75, I-4, U.S. Highway 301, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, and Orient Road.  For more information about the 2008 Florida State Fair, call toll-free (800) 345-FAIR or (813) 621-7821, visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/ or http://myspace.com/floridastatefair.

The 104th annual Florida State Fair will take place on February 7-18, 2008.  The Florida State Fair – always in Tampa and always in February – is organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Denise Shreaves:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Manager of Marketing & Public Relations
Florida State Fair Authority
Phone (813) 627-4314 / Cell (813) 732-0141
 
OR

Vince Caruso:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marketing Director 
Florida State Fair Authority
Phone (813) 627-4222