WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in human food.
Food manufacturers will have three years to remove PHOs from products.
This determination will significantly reduce the use of PHOs, the major source of artificial trans fats, in the food supply. In 2013, the FDA made a tentative determination that PHOs could no longer be considered GRAS and is finalizing that determination after considering public comments.
Since 2006, manufacturers have been required to include trans fat content information on the nutrition facts label of foods. Between 2003 and 2012, the FDA estimates that consumer trans fat consumption decreased about 78% and that the labeling rule and industry reformulation of foods were “key factors in informing healthier consumer choices and reducing trans fat in foods,” the FDA said.
The three-year compliance period will allow companies to either reformulate products without PHOs or petition the FDA to permit specific uses of PHOs. Following the compliance period, no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are otherwise approved by the FDA.
Many companies have already been working to remove PHOs from processed foods, and the FDA said it anticipates that many may eliminate them ahead of the three-year compliance date.
Click here for more details from the FDA.
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