Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are the primary source of artificial trans fats and were declared not GRAS by FDA in 2015 (effective 2018). Trans fats raise LDL, lower HDL, and increase cardiovascular disease risk.
What it is
Vegetable oil that has been chemically hydrogenated to convert liquid oils into solid or semi-solid fats; may be partially or fully hydrogenated.
Solid fat for shortening, spreads, baked goods.
Why it's flagged
- May refer to fully hydrogenated fat (no trans fat, but high saturated fat affecting CVD risk)
- Older formulations may have been PHO (now banned in US since 2018)
What regulators actually say
"FDA finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS)."
"Industrially-produced trans fat is the most harmful type and intake is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and death from coronary heart disease."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
PHOs not GRAS as of 2018 (final determination 2015); ban effective Jan 2020 (with extensions to Jun 2018/Jan 2020)
European Union — EFSA
EU caps industrially produced trans fats at 2 g per 100 g fat (Reg 2019/649, effective 2021)
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