Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil
Also known as: phco
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat, which raises LDL and lowers HDL cholesterol and significantly increases coronary heart disease risk. The U.S.
What it is
A vegetable oil chemically modified by adding hydrogen atoms across double bonds to convert liquid oil into a semi-solid fat, producing industrial trans fats.
Solid fat for shortening, frying stability, baked-good texture, extended shelf life.
Why it's flagged
- Industrial trans fat
- Cardiovascular disease risk
- Raises LDL cholesterol
What regulators actually say
"Based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, FDA's final determination is that there is no longer a consensus among qualified experts that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the main source of industrially-produced trans fatty acids, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for any use in human food."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS; use in human food prohibited as of June 18, 2018 (with limited compliance extensions through Jan 1, 2020).
European Union — EFSA
EU caps industrial trans fat at 2 g per 100 g of fat (Regulation (EU) 2019/649).
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