Trans Fat
Industrial (artificial) trans fats are strongly linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease; they raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. WHO has called for their global elimination, and the FDA has revoked the GRAS status of partially hydrogenated oils, the main industrial source.
What it is
Unsaturated fatty acids with at least one double bond in the trans configuration; can be naturally occurring (in ruminant fats such as dairy and beef) or industrially produced via partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils.
Industrial trans fats were historically used to extend shelf life and provide solid texture; they are now banned or heavily restricted in many countries.
Why it's flagged
- Industrial trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol
- Strong evidence of increased cardiovascular disease risk
- Naturally occurring ruminant trans fats are present at much lower levels
What regulators actually say
"Based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, FDA has made a final determination that there is no longer a consensus among qualified experts that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of industrially-produced trans fatty acids, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for any use in human food."
"Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are unsaturated fatty acids... Industrially-produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats... Approximately 278 000 deaths every year are attributable to intake of industrially produced trans fats."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Partially hydrogenated oils are no longer GRAS; their use in foods has been effectively banned (compliance deadlines completed 2021)
European Union — EFSA
EU regulation limits industrial trans fat to 2 g per 100 g of fat (Regulation 2019/649)
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