FDA to regulate use of trans fats in processed foods

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of phasing out the use of trans fat in processed foods, following a preliminary determination based on available scientific evidence and the findings of expert scientific panels.

Experts have revealed that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not ‘generally recognised as safe’ for use in food.

Trans fat intake leads to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol, which poses a risk of coronary heart disease.

The FDA has commenced a 60-day comment period to accumulate additional data and receive input regarding the time required for manufacturers to reformulate their food products which contain artificial trans fat.

Should this determination be finalised, PHOs would be considered ‘food additives’ and could not be used in food unless authorised by regulation.

The preliminary determination is confined to PHOs, and it does not have any impact on trans fat that occurs naturally in small amounts in certain meat and dairy products.

According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), trans fat provides no health benefits and there is no safe level of consumption for artificial trans fat.

Keeping trans fat consumption as low as possible is recommended, while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet, IOM said.

Commenting on the agency’s action, FDA commissioner Margaret A Hamburg said, "While consumption of potentially harmful artificial trans fat has declined over the last two decades in the United States, current intake remains a significant public health concern.

"The FDA’s action today is an important step toward protecting more Americans from the potential dangers of trans fat.

"Further reduction in the amount of trans fat in the American diet could prevent an additional 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart disease each year – a critical step in the protection of Americans’ health."

FDA foods and veterinary medicine deputy commissioner Michael Taylor said, "Food manufacturers have voluntarily decreased trans fat levels in many foods in recent years, but a substantial number of products still contain partially hydrogenated oils, which are the major source of trans fat in processed food."