The FDA has completed final administrative actions on the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), also known as trans fats, in the food supply. This final rule reflects the agency’s reasoning in removing this product. In 2015, the FDA stated that these oils are harmful to human health, and that removing them from the food … Read more
A study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) has found that consumption of trans fats is associated with greater risk of mortality, a greater risk of dying from heart disease, and a greater risk of developing heart disease. Researchers in Canada reviewed 41 observational studies, which means the association cannot be “causal”. But the … Read more
Today, the FDA finalized its determination that trans fats, made from partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), are not “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS, for use in human food. Food manufacturers will have three years to remove this ingredient from products. FDA’s Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff said in a statement, “the FDA’s action on this major … Read more
According to a study by the American Heart Association, trans fat consumption is linked to diminished memory in working-aged men. The American Heart Association Meeting Report Abstract 15572 states that in a study of about 1,000 healthy men, those who consumed the most trans fats showed “notably worse performance on a word memory test.” The … Read more
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine questions the information the public has been told about a link between saturated fat intake and heart disease risk. The study, called “Association of Dietary, Circulating, and Supplement Fatty Acids with Coronary Risk” is a meta analysis and review of studies conducted over the years … Read more
The FDA is officially extending the comment period on FDA’s preliminary notice that partially hydrogenated oils, otherwise known as trans fats, will be removed from the “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) list. FDA published this notice on December 17, 2013. The comment period is being extended by 60 days, to March 8, 2014. Many people … Read more
Back in 2007, Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY) introduced a bill that would close a food labeling loophole. That loophole lets food manufacturers use a “0 trans fat” label on foods that do contain trans fat. As long as there is less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, the deceptive label is applied. At … Read more
A few years ago, trans fats were all over the news. Those artificial fats are made by mixing polyunsaturated oils with hydrogen gas so the oil solidifies and can be used in baking. In that process, the hydrogen molecules bond with the carbon molecules; this can happen in two ways. If the hydrogen molecules bond … Read more
By now, almost everyone has heard about trans fats and how unhealthy they are. In fact, studies have shown that trans fat consumption causes at least 30,000 deaths in the United States every year. The government has not set an upper limit on trans fat consumption because there is no safe intake amount. But there … Read more
A new study from a collaborative effort by several University of California Departments of Medicine has found that trans fat consumption is significantly linked to behavioral irritability and aggression. Trans fats are an artificial fat that used to be added to many foods. In fact, food companies used so much of it, because it was … Read more