Councillor John Mikelsons' motion of notice to put conditions on development applications for restaurants, cafes and council child care centres, preventing the use of trans fats in deep and shallow fat frying was passed at Monday night's council meeting.

Trans fat is found in some deep-fried foods and processed foods made with margarine or shortening.

Kogarah Chamber of Commerce president Megan Barker said it was a good idea but there were more important matters concerning local small businesses.

"It doesn't matter what oil you cook your food with, if there is no customer parking in Kogarah there will be no one here to eat it," Ms Barker said.

"It's good to be health-conscious about trans fats but it will be hard to monitor."

Owner of Kogarah Charcoal Chicken on Railway Parade, Zoran Ligovski, said instead of banning trans fats he would like to see the council attract more people to the Kogarah CBD.

"The oil we use is virtually trans-free but people can eat whatever they like, they have a choice, they know what is healthy and what isn't," Mr Ligovski said.

While Josie Sgambellone of Primo Pasta and Kathy Macovsky of Kay Geez Cafe on Montgomery Street agreed the move would mean a healthier Kogarah.

"I say if you wouldn't feed it to your kids, don't serve it to your customers," Mrs Sgambellone said.

Ms Macovsky said: "We only use olive oil in our foods; this move will help keep the residents healthy."

Cr Mikelsons said it was widely known trans fats increased the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

"An Australian dies of heart disease every 20 minutes and research shows trans fats are one of the biggest culprits," Cr Mikelsons said.

"That's why I want Kogarah to take a small but important step, and set an example by banning the use of trans fats.

"Whilst a national ban would be the best way of dealing with trans fats, we all have to do what we can to protect the community from heart disease."

An education campaign will be launched to encourage existing Kogarah businesses to switch to less harmful oils.

Greens MP John Kaye said his party would introduce a bill in the next sitting of State Parliament to push for a complete ban on trans fats.

He said the council initiative put the Iemma Government to shame.

"In the next sitting of State Parliament, the Greens will introduce a Bill to compel the NSW representatives on the Ministerial Food Council to move for a complete ban [of trans fats]," Dr Kaye said.