Margarine
Modern margarines have eliminated industrial trans fats following FDA's 2015 determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no longer GRAS, with full enforcement by 2020. Current margarines based on interesterified or non-hydrogenated oils are generally regarded as safe; saturated/total fat content varies.
What it is
Manufactured spread made from emulsified vegetable oils (and sometimes animal fats) with water and minor additives.
Butter substitute; spread, baking fat.
Why it's flagged
- Historical trans fats (now banned in US)
- Saturated fat content varies
What regulators actually say
"FDA's final determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe"
"Margarine is the food in plastic form or liquid emulsion containing not less than 80 percent fat"
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Standard of identity 21 CFR 166.110; PHOs no longer GRAS (Federal Register 2015)
European Union — EFSA
Authorised food
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