FDA Gives Food Manufacturers Three Years to Ditch Trans Fats

The FDA has given food manufacturers three years to remove partially hydrogenated oils (or PHOs) from products. PHOs are the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods. The agency noted in their press release that PHOs are not generally recognized as safe for use in human food.

The agency anticipates this action will reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.

Since 2006, when the FDA began requiring manufacturers to include trans fat content on the Nutrition Facts food label, trans fat consumption has decreased by about 78 percent. However, the amount still being consumed remains a concern.

The three-year compliance period will allow manufacturers to either reformulate their food products without PHOs and/or petition the FDA to permit specific uses of PHOs. After the compliance period has expired, no PHOs can be added to human food unless doing so is approved by the FDA.

To read the FDA's press release, click here.