FDA Moves to Prohibit Trans Fat in Foods
The agency stated that it will gradually start making food companies phase out products that contain artificial trans fats.
Is there that one delicious frozen pizza you just can't live without? Well, soon you may have to. The FDA has announced it will begin banning artificial trans fat from foods. According to a press release from its website, this ban could prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths a year.
The reasoning for the ban, according to the agency, is that the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, partially hydrogenated oils, are not "generally recognized as safe" for use in foods, as determined from scientific evidence.
Though many brands have taken their own initiative to reduce trans fat in foods (and have marketed it on their packaging, as well), several name brands still use trans fat in their foods. It can still be found in certain frozen pizzas, microwave popcorn brands, crackers, chips, and desserts. According to the FDA, the average American consumer intakes one gram of trans fat per day.