In the last couple of years we have had bans on sodas in schools and a ban on trans fats in New York City. Last month the city council of Los Angeles decided to prevent new fast food restaurants from opening in one of the poorer neighborhoods, South Los Angeles.

City council members believe this will help keep the number of fast food restaurants from overtaking the neighborhood and allow residents to have more healthy restaurant options. Critics say it is unfair to dictate what people can or cannot eat and some believe it is wrong to assume that people who live in poorer neighborhoods may be intellectually incapable of making good decisions about food and health.

Personally, I support the bans on sodas in schools in the US and trans fats in New York City, but this one makes me a little uneasy. While it wouldn't break my heart to see fast food restaurants banned everywhere, the idea of only choosing specific neighborhoods worries me a bit.

Tell me what you think.

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Don't you just love outdoor barbecues and picnics? Maybe a big holiday party with friends and family, a romantic picnic for two, or even a fun family outing with the kids.

There are still a few weeks of summer left, so enjoy eating outside, but don't forget about food safety. Keep everything clean and remember that potato salad was never meant to sit out in the sun for three hours.

Have a safe and healthy picnic with these tips for picnic and barbecue food safety.

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More About Outdoor Eating

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