17 June 2015

Pin It

FDA orders food industry not to use remove Artificial Trans Fats from food

US FDA orders food industry not to use remove Artificial Trans Fats from food

The FDA takes step to remove artificial Trans fats in processed foods

Based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today 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” or GRAS for use in human food.

Food manufacturers will have three years to remove PHOs from products.

“The FDA’s action on this major source of artificial trans fat demonstrates the agency’s commitment to the heart health of all Americans," said FDA's Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, M.D. "This action is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.”

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 percent and that the labeling rule and industry reformulation of foods were key factors in informing healthier consumer choices and reducing Trans fat in foods.

While Trans fat intake has significantly decreased, the current intake remains a public health concern.

Trans fat intake has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease by contributing to the buildup of plaque inside the arteries that may cause a heart attack. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration requires that the Trans fat content of food be declared on the Nutrition Facts label to help consumers determine how each food contributes to their overall dietary intake of Trans fat. Many processed foods contain partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the major dietary source of industrially-produced Trans fat in processed food.

No Longer Generally Recognized as Safe

In 2013, FDA made a preliminary determination that PHOs were no longer "generally recognized as safe," or GRAS, for short. FDA is finalizing that action and determining that PHOs are not GRAS for any use in human food.

Trans fat wouldn't be completely gone, because it also occurs naturally in meat and dairy products. It is also present at very low levels in other edible oils, where it is unavoidably produced during the manufacturing process. In addition, companies can petition FDA for specific uses of certain partially hydrogenated oils.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that consumption of Trans fat be as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally-adequate diet.

“Studies show that diet and nutrition play a key role in preventing chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and today’s action goes hand in hand with other FDA initiatives to improve the health of Americans, including updating the nutrition facts label,” said Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “This determination is based on extensive research into the effects of PHOs, as well as input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period.”

The FDA has set a compliance period of three years. This will allow companies to either reformulate products without PHOs and/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.

The FDA encourages consumers seeking to reduce Trans fat intake to check a food’s ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils to determine whether or not a product contains PHOs. Currently, foods are allowed to be labeled as having “0” grams trans fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, including PHOs, the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods.

Many companies have already been working to remove PHOs from processed foods and the FDA anticipates that many may eliminate them ahead of the three-year compliance date.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

Suggested Reading –

Important Facts Know about Trans Fats Trans Fatty Acids How to Avoid Trans Fats

Source – FDA

Reality views by sm –

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Tags – FDA Trans Fat Remove USA Food Industry