Artificial trans fat crackdown: Say goodbye to PHOs
One thing we can expect from the FDA in 2014 (or 2015 at the latest) is an update on its recent tentative determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs - which create artificial trans fats) should not be considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
The agency has given stakeholders until January 7 to comment (a deadline that the industry has urged it to extend until March 7).
It’s not clear how soon after the comments are filed that the FDA might issue final guidance; but when it does, it is expected to suggest a phase out over a period of years, rather than months.
However, regardless of the timetable, it looks like the writing is on the wall for PHOs, so expect to see those firms still using PHOs making a renewed effort to replace them in 2014.
Click here to read the tentative determination and see the latest comments in the docket.
Click on the links below to see all of our coverage:
GMA, IFT, to FDA: We need more time to respond to crackdown on PHOs, artificial trans fats
GMA, IFT, to FDA: We need more time to respond to crackdown on PHOs, artificial trans fats
Picture: Palm oil is widely used in the food industry as a substitute for PHOs as it is semi-solid at room temperature without needing to be hydrogenated