FDA to food industry: 3 years to phase out artificial trans fats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration moved to eliminate artificial trans fats from the nation’s food supply Tuesday, having determined partially hydrogenated oils to be unsafe for human consumption.

Trans fats occur naturally in meat and dairy products, but processed foods use artificial trans fats to extend shelf life. Some examples include frosting, microwave popcorn, frozen pizzas, pie crusts, coffee creamer and margarine.

Food manufacturers now have three years to eliminate the ingredient from their products. Companies also may petition the FDA to allow their use under special, federally approved circumstances, according to the Kansas City Star.

In an agency news release, FDA officials stated the ban is projected to decrease the number of coronary heart disease and heart attack victims nationwide and urged consumers to check product ingredients for artificial trans fats before purchasing.

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