The U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized its decision regarding partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), and they are now not “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS for use in food. Food manufacturers have three years to remove PHOs from products.
Partially hydrogentated oils, found in packaged foods are the major source of the artificial trans fats, in the American food supply. Extensive research has shown negative health consequences associated with the regular ingestion of trans fats in the diet. The Institute of Medicine has previously recommended that consumption of trans fat be as low as possible as part of consuming a healthy diet.
FDA’s Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, M.D. said, “This action is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.”
Because of mounting evidence regarding negative health consequences from the regular ingestion of trans fats, many food manufacturers have been working to remove PHOs from processed foods over the past several years. It is anticipated the elimination of trans fats in products will be done well ahead of the three-year deadline by most major companies.
The FDA tells consumers to check a food’s ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils. According to current regulations foods are allowed to be labeled as having “0” grams trans fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. By avoiding processed foods, and eating a diet of whole, natural foods, trans fats are even more completely avoided.
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