A local doctor is challenging the proposed settlement of a lawsuit over McDonald's use of cooking oils with trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Vinod Seth of Bismarck contends the $8.5 million settlement does not require McDonald's to go far enough in telling customers about trans fats in its fried foods. He says food makers should be re-quired to eliminate trans fats from food processing.

"If we were to list the top three ingredients in our diet that are resulting in the greatest number of health problems right now, the one-two punch would be soda pop and trans fat," Seth said. The settlement, he said, "doesn't inform people enough about what trans fat really is."

Fried restaurant food and baked goods, including cookies, doughnuts and muffins, are primary sources of trans fat, which is found in shortening, margarine or partially hydrogenated oil.