WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States will begin reducing the level of trans fat in its food supply after a study found that the fatty acid is unsafe for the human body, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in a statement on Tuesday.
“Based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, the US 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,” the FDA said.
The study’s results will “significantly reduce the use of PHOs” in the US food supply, the FDA said.
In 2013, the FDA made a tentative ruling that partially hydrogenated oils were not GRAS. That ruling will be finalized after a public comment period.
Meanwhile, the FDA has agreed to set a three year period during which companies can reformulate products without using partially hydrogenated oils or petition the FDA to use the trans fat. After the compliance period, no partially hydrogenated oils will be allowed to be added to consumable foods unless approved by the FDA.
Trans fats are found in foods including pizza, doughnuts, cakes, fried foods and potato chips. They are responsible for raising bad (LDL) cholesterol and lowering good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fat raises the chances of developing heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association.
