Partially Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe per FDA. After the 2015 final determination, PHOs may not be added to human food in the U.S.
What it is
Palm oil that has been partially hydrogenated, the primary dietary source of artificial trans fatty acids.
Solid fat for baking, frying, and shelf-life extension (historical).
Why it's flagged
- Primary dietary source of artificial trans fats
- FDA determined not GRAS (2015); causally linked to coronary heart disease
What regulators actually say
"FDA finalized its determination that PHOs are not Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for any use in human food."
"The content of trans fat... shall not exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of fat."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS; effectively banned. Final determination June 2015; major-use compliance June 18, 2018.
European Union — EFSA
EU Regulation 2019/649 limits industrial trans fat to 2 g per 100 g of fat in foods for the final consumer (effective April 2021).
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