The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed measures that would potentially eliminate artificial trans fat in processed foods as it poses health risks.
The agency has announced its preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are not 'generally recognized as safe' for use in food, based on the findings by a panel of experts.
It opened a 60-day comment period on the preliminary determination to collect data and gain inputs on the time needed for food manufacturers to reformulate their products.
FDA Commissioner Margaret A Hamburg said, "While consumption of potentially harmful artificial trans fat has declined over the last two decades in the United States, current intake remains a significant public health concern.
"The FDA's action today is an important step toward protecting more Americans from the potential dangers of trans fat."
Consumption of trans fat raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
Trans fat can be found in processed foods, including desserts, microwave popcorn products, frozen pizzas, margarines and coffee creamers.
