Maui Community College's Pa'ina food court has banned oils and food containing trans-fatty acids, which can clog arteries and increase cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The food court, open to the public, is operated by Maui Culinary Academy students. With the restriction on trans-fatty acid, they are following in the footsteps of major food retailers such as Starbucks and KFC. New York City recently took action to eliminate trans-fatty acids from restaurant menus, and other cities and states are considering similar laws.

For more information, call 984-3225 or visit www.mauiculinary.com/academy/.