If you went to a Starbucks coffee shop yesterday and bought a pastry, you were among the first to taste the company’s new trans fat-free foods.

In a move that has been in the works for two years, Starbucks eliminated all partially hydrogenated vegetable oils from half of its stores, including those in Seattle. The remaining stores will follow suit as soon as new recipes can be adjusted with food suppliers.

Starbucks also cut trans fats from all stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Portland according to an Associated Press article. On the East Coast, this move impacted Starbucks stores in Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

While this decision follows closely on the heels of New York’s ban on artificial trans fats in all restaurants, Starbucks spokespeople say the two moves are unrelated. In fact, before officially cutting all trans fats, Starbucks was replacing the fats in nationally distributed pastries like pumpkin muffins.

This is a positive move for both Starbucks and the Pacific Northwest region. Combined with the positive health effects of Washington’s smoking ban, Seattleites are once again leading the country toward better health.

In what is fast becoming a heated public health issue, Starbucks’ decision sets an example for the best possible outcome in the trans fat war.

The issue is whether the government should — or even has the right to — ban something like trans fats.

The best-case scenario has individual businesses taking a stand in favor of healthier food options. Rather than fighting to keep trans fats, more businesses should follow Starbucks’ example. By taking this step, the government won’t likely need to get involved at all.

Before this issue gets out of hand, this is one case in which consumer action is needed. If you appreciate the effort Starbucks is making, let them know. Call on other eateries you frequent to do the same. If you think the government should regulate trans fats, call your local government officials.

Regardless of how we go about doing it, one thing everyone can agree on is that Americans as a whole need to start eating healthier.

And that’s just in time to fit in with your New Year’s resolutions.