> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # FDA takes step to remove artificial trans fats in processed foods - URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/fda_trans_fats_0617150731/ - Published: 2015-06-17T08:29:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T16:13:29.000Z - Description: The FDA finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of artificial trans fat, are not generally recognized as safe in food, giving manufacturers three years to remove them. Trans fat intake already fell about 78% from 2003 to 2012. - Author: Food Consumer - Tags: Law & Regulations, Politics, #vivvo-import FDA News Release # The FDA takes step to remove artificial trans fats in processed foods Action expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year ## For Immediate Release June 16, 2015 ## Release Based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial *trans* fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS for use in human food. Food manufacturers will have three years to remove PHOs from products. “The FDA’s action on this major source of artificial trans fat demonstrates the agency’s commitment to the heart health of all Americans," said FDA's Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, M.D. "This action is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.” This determination will significantly reduce the use of PHOs, the major source of artificial *trans* fats, in the food supply. In 2013, the FDA made a tentative determination that PHOs could no longer be considered GRAS and is finalizing that determination after considering public comments. Since 2006, manufacturers have been required to include *trans* fat content information on the Nutrition Facts label of foods. Between 2003 and 2012, the FDA estimates that consumer *trans* fat consumption decreased about 78 percent and that the labeling rule and industry reformulation of foods were key factors in informing healthier consumer choices and reducing *trans* fat in foods. While *trans* fat intake has significantly decreased, the current intake remains a public health concern. The Institute of Medicine recommends that consumption of *trans* fat be as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally-adequate diet. “Studies show that diet and nutrition play a key role in preventing chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and today’s action goes hand in hand with other FDA initiatives to improve the health of Americans, including updating the nutrition facts label,” said Susan Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “This determination is based on extensive research into the effects of PHOs, as well as input from all stakeholders received during the public comment period.” The FDA has set a compliance period of three years. This will allow companies to either reformulate products without PHOs and/or petition the FDA to permit specific uses of PHOs. Following the compliance period, no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are otherwise approved by the FDA. The FDA encourages consumers seeking to reduce *trans* fat intake to check a food’s ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils to determine whether or not a product contains PHOs. Currently, foods are allowed to be labeled as having “0” grams *trans* fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams of *trans* fat per serving, including PHOs, the primary dietary source of artificial *trans* fat in processed foods. Many companies have already been working to remove PHOs from processed foods and the FDA anticipates that many may eliminate them ahead of the three-year compliance date. The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. ### ### Inquiries #### Media [Megan McSeveney](mailto:megan.mcseveney@fda.hhs.gov) 240-402-4514 --- #### Consumers 888-INFO-FDA ### Share [Share on facebook](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm451237.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) [Share on twitter](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm451237.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) [Share on email](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm451237.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) [277](http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm451237.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) --- - [FDA News Release feed](http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/PressReleases/rss.xml?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [View FDA Voice blog](http://blogs.fda.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org) ### Related Information - [Federal Register Notice: Determinations: Partially Hydrogenated Oils](https://federalregister.gov/a/2015-14883?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [FDA Voice Blog: Protecting Consumers from Trans Fat](http://blogs.fda.gov/fdavoice/index.php/2015/06/protecting-consumers-from-trans-fat/?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [FDA Consumer Update: FDA Cuts *Trans* Fat in Processed Foods](http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm372915.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [FDA: *Trans* Fat](http://www.fda.gov/Food/PopularTopics/ucm292278.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [HHS Million Hearts Initiative](http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/index.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) Page Last Updated: 06/16/2015