FDA Says Partially Hydrogenated Oils are Not Generally Recognized as Safe

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 15, 2013

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a news release about the agency’s efforts to reduce trans fats in processed foods. FDA has announced its preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” for use in food.

The FDA has opened a 60-day comment period on this preliminary determination to collect additional data and to gain input on the time potentially needed for food manufacturers to reformulate products that currently contain artificial trans fat should this determination be finalized.

According to the news release, “Following a review of the submitted comments, if the FDA finalizes its preliminary determination, PHOs would be considered “food additives” and could not be used in food unless authorized by regulation. If such a determination were made, the agency would provide adequate time for producers to reformulate products in order to minimize market disruption. The FDA’s preliminary determination is only with regard to PHOs and does not affect trans fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in certain meat and dairy products.”

As more people have become aware of health concerns associated with consuming processed foods that contain trans fats, many food manufacturers have decreased or eliminated them from their products.  “Trans fat information began appearing on Nutrition Facts labels back in 2006,” reported Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM),CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As a result, trans fat intake among American consumers has declined significantly over the past decade.  At EMSL, we provide total, saturated, monosaturated and trans fat from fatty acids testing services to food manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, government agencies and the general public.”

To learn more about testing for trans fat or other nutritional labeling, ingredient or food contaminate testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com