Theme park operator Disney is set to remove all added trans fats from food served in its parks and resorts as part of a strategy to offer healthier choices, focusing on smaller portions and fewer calories.

The company has also moved to make healthier options the ‘standard’ rather than the ‘alternate’; carrot sticks have replaced French fries and 1 per cent milk or bottled water offered instead of fizzy drinks – guests must request fries or soda rather than being offered them automatically.

"The new healthful menus expand the options for our guests," said Ed Wronski, director of product development for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage.

"The reaction, both from the chefs and the guests, has been very, very positive." He claims that during the test phase, about 80 per cent of parents chose the healthier option in the quick-service restaurants in the parks.

A new hamburger with less than 20 per cent fat and healthier pizzas have been introduced and Disney is also working with manufacturers to reformulate recipes for sweets, packaged food and bakery items, or to find replacement products.