Howard County (Map, News) - Howard County restaurants that opt for trans fat-free food and provide calorie counts will earn the Howard County Health Department’s seal of approval for being healthy.

“We think this will be an economic incentive,” said Howard’s Health Officer Peter Beilenson, because those deemed healthy will get a decal expected to lure health-minded diners.

The restaurant push is the first phase of the county’s Healthy Howard initiative aimed at making the county a model public health community. Howard is the first county in the state to set criteria and recognize an institution as being healthy, Beilenson said.

To earn the recognition, restaurants must:

» be trans fat-free

» provide nutritional information

» offer healthy menu options

» pass two consecutive food inspections without major violations

» fully comply with anti-smoking laws.

The Health Department plans to closely measure the outcome of the initiative, and Beilenson said they have already prepared a survey for restaurants.

Offering incentives is quicker and more effective than legislating changes, he said.

Joe Barbera, owner of Aida Bistro and Deli in Columbia, is one of a few restaurants to sign on. When Aida opened five years ago, Barbera offered whole wheat pasta, and two years ago, he switched to trans fat-free fryer oil.

“We need to be really focused on what customers are looking for and do that in a civic-minded way,” he said.

Although healthy alternatives cost more up front, more diners are demanding them, so the investment pays off, Barbera said. He said he expects other restaurants to follow suit.

Future phases of the Healthy Howard initiative include schools, workplaces, homes, recreation and residents. The campaign is a coordinated effort with several county organizations, County Executive Ken Ulman said.

“Public Health impacts almost every area of life and almost every area county government touches,” he said, adding more details on the future phases will be announced soon.

BY THE NUMBERS

» Percent of overweight people in Howard County in 2005: 39

» Percent in Maryland: 37

» Percent of Howard County residents not meeting guidelines for moderate physical activity in 2005: 67

» Percent of Maryland residents: 65

Source: Howard County Health Department

smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com