The FDA's new views on PHO: What you need to know

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Jun 16, 2015, 10:20 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that as of July 18, 2018 partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). This means that, as of July 18, 2018, PHOs can no longer be used as a food ingredient without prior FDA approval. PHOs have come under fire in recent years because they are a source of industrially produced trans fats. Studies have shown that high levels of consumption of trans fat can lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Cargill scientist John Satumba on partially hydrogenated oils and your food.

What you need to know about trans fats partially hydrogenated oils and the FDA's new rules.

Since the FDA first mandated labeling for trans fats on food products in 2003, U.S. consumption of PHOs has declined by more than 80 percent. Cargill was at the forefront of that reduction, offering a host of PHO alternatives since 1994. In the last four years alone, the company has helped more than 300 customers reduce or remove PHOs in their products.

To help translate the impact of this change, Cargill developed an info graphic and video explaining PHOs, trans fats, the FDA's decision, and how Cargill can help food makers reformulate their products.

Related Links
Info on trans fats

Video - http://youtu.be/oE7oZMxda18

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150612/222839-INFO

SOURCE Cargill