Hydrogenated Palm Oil
If 'hydrogenated' refers to partially hydrogenated oil (PHO), it is no longer GRAS in the US (FDA final determination 2015; compliance June 2018) due to industrial trans fat-related cardiovascular harm. Fully hydrogenated palm oil is permitted but is a saturated fat that adversely affects LDL cholesterol comparably to trans fat in some studies.
What it is
Palm oil treated with hydrogen to saturate fatty acids and raise melting point. Fully hydrogenated palm oil contains negligible trans fat; partially hydrogenated palm oil contains industrial trans fat.
Solid/semi-solid fat for texture, shelf life, and frying stability.
Why it's flagged
- Very high saturated fat
- Raised LDL cholesterol on excess intake
What regulators actually say
"FDA is finalizing its determination that there is no longer a consensus among qualified experts that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs)... are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for any use in human food."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
PHOs are NOT GRAS; uses revoked (compliance dates 2018-2021)
European Union — EFSA
Industrial trans fats limited to 2 g/100 g fat (Reg. (EU) 2019/649)
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