No Fry Zone: NYC Health Dept. Bans Fried Food at Work Meals

No French fries. Or freedom fries for that matter.

The New York City Health Department has issued new guidelines banning fried foods from its work-sponsored meals, telling employees to cut bagels and muffins in half, and saying that if cakes are served for a celebration, they can't be coupled with cookies. According to the Health Department, it's about being consistent.

The Daily News explains:

Employees also got a bright-colored brochure stipulating what can and can't be served at meetings and parties.

Tap water is a menu must when food or drinks are served. Other beverages must be less than 25 calories per 8 ounces.

"Cut muffins and bagels into halves or quarters, or order mini sizes. Offer thinly-sliced, whole-grain bread," the brochure states.

Deep-fried foods are an absolute no-no and "cannot be served."

For celebrations, cake and air-popped popcorn - "popped at the party and served in brown paper lunch bags" - are allowed.

But when a "celebration cake" is served, cookies can't be offered.

"These standards are mandatory for meetings and events sponsored by the Health Department," the brochure states.

"The Health Department is leading by example by updating its guidelines for food and beverages served at agency meetings and events," spokeswoman Erin Brady told the News.

Still, others see it as encroachment, especially considering the guidelines go beyond food. Workers were also told to refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes with "noticeable odors," told not to eavesdrop, and advised to be careful not to post anything in their cubicles that others might consider offensive.

One worker summed up the guidelines by simply saying, "This seems like micromanaging."