I avoid them as well, and I'm avoiding fried food as much as possible as well. I too prefer to use butter if I'm frying something, it tastes better to be honest. I do use extra virgin olive oil buy never with frying, it's a healthier for consumption.
Are they safe? It depends on which study you happen to read. I don't think there has been enough research done correctly to answer that question as of yet.
Im glad its not just me that is checking these things out. It is not easy to try and eat healthy these days. It seems you have got things well under control there.
Not as much as I would like, but I strive to eat healthy since I'm not exactly 21 anymore...