Trans
Also known as: TRANS-NONA-2‚4-DIENAL
Industrially produced partially hydrogenated oils (the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat) are no longer Generally Recognized As Safe; FDA finalized this determination in 2015 with full compliance by 2018-2020. WHO recommends elimination from the food supply.
What it is
'Trans' as an ingredient label commonly refers to trans fats (trans fatty acids), particularly industrially produced partially hydrogenated oils.
Historically used as a solid fat/shortening for shelf life and texture; now banned for industrial use in the US and EU.
Why it's flagged
- Industrial trans fats raise LDL cholesterol and increase cardiovascular disease risk
- Partially hydrogenated oils no longer GRAS in the US (2018)
What regulators actually say
"FDA has made a 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."
"WHO calls for the elimination of industrially produced trans fats from the global food supply."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
PHOs no longer GRAS as of 2018 (Federal Register 80 FR 34650); compliance dates ended in 2020.
European Union — EFSA
EU Regulation 2019/649 limits industrial trans fat to 2 g per 100 g of fat in food for the consumer.
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