Hydrogenated Soy Oil
If partially hydrogenated, the oil is a primary source of artificial trans fats and is BANNED by FDA in foods (PHO GRAS status revoked, compliance final). Fully hydrogenated soy oil contains essentially no trans fats but is high in saturated fat.
What it is
Soybean oil whose unsaturated fatty acids have been catalytically hydrogenated. May be partially or fully hydrogenated; partially hydrogenated soybean oil contains industrial trans fats.
Solidifies oils; provides shelf stability, mouthfeel, and shortening properties.
Why it's flagged
- If partially hydrogenated, contains industrial trans fats (banned by FDA since 2018)
- If fully hydrogenated, very high in saturated fat
What regulators actually say
"FDA determined 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."
"FDA Completes Final Administrative Actions on Partially Hydrogenated Oils in Foods."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Partially hydrogenated oils are NOT GRAS; uses prohibited (revocation finalized; compliance complete).
European Union — EFSA
EU mandates trans-fat limit of 2 g per 100 g of fat in foods (Reg. (EU) 2019/649).
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