The Food and Drug Administration is currently considering comments on its proposed action to declare partially hydrogenated oils unsafe for food use due to their trans fat content.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently considering comments on its proposed action to declare partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) unsafe for use in food due to their trans fat content. If finalized, the decision could create waves in the product reformulation world and potentially set an ill-conceived precedent for other ingredients that contain nutrients of public health concern. While reducing trans fat intake represents an important public health goal, there are real questions as to whether FDA’s proposed approach is feasible or effective.
In November 2013, FDA issued a six-page Federal Register notice with its tentative determination that the ingredient is no longer generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food. Should FDA finalize the determination, PHOs would no longer be able to be used in food in the U.S., unless the specific use and level is approved by the agency in a food additive regulation (a process that takes many years). Naturally occurring trans fats, such as those in some meats and cheeses, would not be affected. The comment period closed on March 8, 2014. There is significant interest in the topic, so FDA will have plenty of comments to read and address before it decides whether to move forward.