Health Economics Seminars (EUR)

Speaker(s)
Matthias Rieger (Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
Date
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Location
Rotterdam

This paper analyzes the impact of trans fat bans on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rates. Several New York State jurisdictions have restricted the use of ingredients containing artificial trans fats in food service establishments. The resulting within-county variation over time and the differential timing of the policy’s rollout is used in estimation. The results indicate that the policy caused a 4% reduction in CVD mortality rates, or 12 fewer CVD deaths per 100,000 persons per year. While the averted deaths can be valued at about $3.6 million per 100,000 persons annually, the costs associated with the policy are comparatively smaller. (Coauthor: B. Restrepo)