HARRISBURG — A statewide panel has been formed to examine the health risks of trans fat consumption and develop ways to educate the public about them, Pennsylvania's top health official said Tuesday.

Trans fats, produced when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, are found in foods such as vegetable shortenings, crackers and cookies. They increase the shelf life and improve the flavor of foods, but have been linked to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

"It is time for health advocates, policy makers and the food industry to take a serious look at how trans fat may contribute to the development of heart disease and other serious, preventable health conditions," said state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson.

The task force will also look at legislation intended to address fat and make recommendations for Pennsylvania, Johnson said.

Philadelphia's city council voted this year to ban the use of trans fats in most dishes in city restaurants.

POTTSTOWN — Cremated human remains were found Tuesday inside a package placed in a mail collection box, police said."In my 19 years of police work, never has something like this occurred," Pottstown police Capt. F. Richard Drumheller said.The letter carrier found the package wrapped haphazardly in a plastic bag, with no mailing address or return address, and notified police. A police dog did not detect any explosives, so officers opened it and found a box with a metal plate with the deceased person's name on it and the years "1957-2000."