Editor's Note: Because trans fats do not pose an "immediate and present danger" to human health, the staff of Food Safety Magazine does not consider this a true "food safety" issue. However, if partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) do in fact lose their GRAS status, then PHOs will be considered an unsafe food additive once the new rules take effect. Thus, we feel it is important for our readers to be aware of ongoing regulatory developments.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced its preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food. The FDA’s preliminary determination is based on available scientific evidence and the findings of expert scientific panels.