US to outlaw trans fat in processed food

Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary source of trans fat in processed foods, will no longer be classified as “generally recognised as safe” under a new determination issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“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,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A Hamburg, MD.

“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 7000 deaths from heart disease each year - a critical step in the protection of Americans’ health.”

In recent years, many food manufacturers have voluntarily decreased trans fat levels in many products, leading to a significant decrease in the consumption of trans fat in American diets: 4.6 grams per day in 2003 to about 1 gram per day in 2012.

The FDA has opened a 60-day comment period on the preliminary determination to collect additional data and to gain input into the time food manufacturers require to reformulate products that currently contain artificial trans fat.

Following a review of the submitted comments, if the FDA finalises its preliminary determination, PHOs would be considered ‘food additives’ and could not be used in food unless authorised by regulation. If the determination is made, the FDA will provide adequate time for producers to reformulate products in order to minimise market disruption.

The determination only relates to PHOs and does not affect naturally occurring trans fat in some meat and dairy products.

For more information on the determination, click here.