Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat
Also known as: partly hydrogenated vegetable fat
FDA finalized in 2015 that partially hydrogenated oils are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for any use in human food, with a primary compliance date of June 18, 2018. Industrial trans fats raise LDL cholesterol and are linked to coronary heart disease; WHO has also called for global elimination.
What it is
Vegetable oil that has been incompletely hydrogenated, generating industrial trans fatty acids (PHO).
Historically used as a solid fat to provide texture, mouthfeel, and shelf life in baked goods, fried foods, and margarines.
Why it's flagged
- Industrial trans fat
- Raises LDL cholesterol
- Increases coronary heart disease risk
What regulators actually say
"FDA is announcing its final determination that there is no longer a consensus among qualified experts that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs)... are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for any use in human food."
"Industrially-produced trans fat... is contained in hardened vegetable fats, such as margarine and ghee, and is often present in snack food, baked foods, and fried foods. Trans-fat intake is responsible for more than 278 000 deaths each year."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS for any use in human food; banned/revoked (final compliance June 18, 2018; final revocation rule completed 2023).
European Union — EFSA
EU regulation limits industrial trans fat to 2 g/100 g fat in foods for the final consumer (Regulation (EU) 2019/649).
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