The U.S Food and Drug Administration announced that trans fat will be banned from processed foods come June 18, 2018. Trans fat is partially hydrogenated oils in processed foods — creating numerous health problems like cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and high cholesterol. Dr. Stephen Ostroff, the FDA’s acting commissioner said, “The FDA’s action on this major source of artifical trans fat demonstrates the agency’s commitment to the heart health of all Americans.”
The Grocery Manufacturers Association is pleased about the news, “The FDA acted in a manner that addresses FDA’s concerns and minimizes unnecessary disruptions to commerce.” However, the FDA is giving food companies one way to use trans fat in small amounts — ultimatelly filing a petition for its specific use in a product. Trans fat is usually added to products to improve taste and allow products to keep a longer shelf life. The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that trans fat is the leading cause for 50,000 fatal heart attacks each year.
Read The Label
Between 2003 to 2012, companies have been voluntarily removing trans fat from products — 80 percent. As of now, if a product contains less than 0.5 grams per serving of trans fat, a food label is allowed to say, “0 grams of trans fat.”
A major concern regarding the new move is that the FDA should also be reviewing unsafe chemicals in food products and not just ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils. It’s important for consumers to be aware of any harmful chemicals that they may be ingesting. If you’re not sure about a food product, read the label, call the manufacturer, or look it up online.
