Hydrogenated Fat
If the fat is partially hydrogenated, it contains industrial trans fatty acids; FDA declared PHOs not GRAS in 2015 and required removal from foods by 2018 (with limited extensions). Fully hydrogenated fats are still permitted but high in saturated fat.
What it is
'Hydrogenated fat' is a generic descriptor for vegetable or animal fats that have been hydrogenated; can refer to fully or partially hydrogenated oils.
Solid/semi-solid fat, shortening.
Why it's flagged
- If partially hydrogenated: contains industrial trans fat (now prohibited)
- If fully hydrogenated: high in saturated fat
What regulators actually say
"FDA finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs)... are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)."
"Trans fat... shall not exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of fat."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
PHOs are not GRAS; fully hydrogenated oils remain GRAS
European Union — EFSA
EU caps industrial trans fat at 2 g/100 g fat (Regulation 2019/649)
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