On June 16, 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
finalized the determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are not “generally
recognized as safe or GRAS for use in human food.” PHOs are the primary source
of artificial trans fats in processed foods.
After considering public comments and scientific data, the
agency finalized the tentative determination made in 2013. Manufacturers will
have three years to comply with the new determination by either reformulating products
to remove all PHOs or petitioning the FDA for a specific use of PHOs. After the
three year period, PHOs can no longer be added to human food without prior FDA
approval.
The ban is aimed at improving the overall heart health of
Americans. The FDA expects the action to
“reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.” However, trans fats won’t be completely eliminated from all foods, as they are naturally occurring in meat and dairy products as well as other edible oils.
“reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.” However, trans fats won’t be completely eliminated from all foods, as they are naturally occurring in meat and dairy products as well as other edible oils.
During the compliance period, the FDA recommends that
consumers continue to check nutrition labels and select items that have the
lowest amounts of trans fats, as well as checking the ingredients list to
ensure the accuracy of a “0 grams trans fat” label.
The determination is open to public comment, and can be
found here.
Written by Tyler R. Etter- Research Assistant
June 17, 2015
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