Partially
hydrogenated oils, the primary dietary source of the fats, have been shown to
raise "bad" cholesterol. Artificial trans-fat is a uniquely powerful
promoter of heart disease. Although, consumption of potentially harmful
artificial trans-fat has declined over the last two decades in the United
States, current intake remains a significant public health concern says FDA
Commissioner. The move is welcomed by public health advocates.
Use
of trans-fats that are not naturally occurring have been drastically reduced
over the years. According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, food
manufacturers have voluntarily lowered the amounts of trans-fats in their food
products by more than 73 percent since 2005, in part by reformulating products.
The FDA said the average daily intake of trans fats by Americans fell from 4.6
grams a day in 2003 to 1 gram in 2012.
If
the proposal becomes final, partially hydrogenated oils would be considered
food additives and would not be allowed in food unless authorized by health
regulators. Hydrogenation is a chemical process that converts liquid vegetable
oils into solid or semi-solid fats. Partially hydrogenated oils extend the
shelf life of foods, and certain types of popcorn, fish sticks, pies, donuts
and pizza depend on trans fats for their taste and texture. The ruling would
not affect trans-fat that occur naturally in small amounts in certain meat and
dairy products.
Companies
wishing to include trans fats in their products would have to meet the safety
standards applied to food additives and prove with reasonable certainty that
they do not cause harm. FDA has created some loose regulations more than 50
years ago, to help companies avoid lengthy delays in getting food additives
approved, the FDA created a list of products considered "generally
recognized as safe" (GRAS).
The
FDA's proposal is subject to a 60-day public comment period in which food
companies are expected to outline how long they expect it to take them to
reformulate products.
It
is time that the GRAS scheme is revisited and decided purely on scientific
merits (Source:
Reuters, US Edition).
