IHOP to try using trans-fat-free oil at its restaurants

IHOP Corp., the Glendale-based operator of more than 1,200 pancake restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, said Monday that it was testing trans-fat-free oil as other restaurants begin making the switch to the more healthful ingredient.

KFC, the home of Colonel Sanders Kentucky fried chicken, announced last week that it would start using oil without harmful trans fatty acids in the U.S. by April. KFC is following Wendy’s International Inc., which in August became the first national chain to stop using the harmful fats.

“Now it’s going to become financially feasible for us,” IHOP Chief Executive Julia Stewart said. “Once the big boys get into it, funny how it becomes available for everybody. You can do it. It’s just almost cost prohibitive and now I think the cost is coming down dramatically.”

New York, Chicago and other cities are considering regulations to cut trans fats in restaurants to lower the risk of heart disease.

Burger King also announced last week that it would test cooking oil without trans fat in some restaurants within 90 days.

IHOP shares rose $1.42 to $53.35.