After thoroughly reviewing scientific evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the primary source of artificial trans fats in processed food, partially hydrogenated oil, cannot be considered "generally recognized as safe" for human consumption.
The agency is giving manufacturers three years to phase out partially hydrogenated oils from their products. The FDA had already made a tentative determination about partially hydrogenated oils back in 2013, which this decision has finalized. Hopefully, it will dramatically reduce the use of artificial trans fats.
Stephen Ostroff, M.D., acting commissioner for the FDA, said the agency's action demonstrates its commitment toward ensuring the heart health of everyone in the United States. He added that by taking out partially hydrogenated oils in a number of food items, the FDA is expecting a drop in cases of coronary heart disease — leading to the prevention of thousands of heart attacks every year.
Manufacturers have been labeling trans fat content since 2006. From 2003 to 2012, the FDA saw a 78-percent drop in the consumption of trans fat and attributed the reduction to the labeling practice, as well as the food industry's effort to reformulate its products. But while the intake of trans fats has significantly decreased, current consumption levels still pose a public health risk.
According to Susan Mayne, Ph.D., the director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, studies have shown that nutrition and diet play a crucial role in keeping chronic health problems at bay. The agency's decision to ban partially hydrogenated oils goes hand-in-hand with its other initiatives for improving health.
"This determination is based on extensive research into the effects of PHOs, as well as input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period," she added.
The three-year compliance period the FDA set should provide manufacturers with enough time to reformulate their products so they no longer include partially hydrogenated oils, or at least give the agency notice for certain uses of trans fat. After the compliance period, no partially hydrogenated oil may be added to food products unless approved by the agency.
The FDA is encouraging consumers to keep their trans fat intake as low as possible by checking out ingredients lists. If partially hydrogenated oil is listed, then the product contains trans fats. If a food item contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat for every serving, it is currently allowed to be labeled as having "0" grams trans fat.
Photo: Miran Rijavec | Flickr
