A known “problem ingredient” for some time, trans fats are a pretty clear concern for consumers these days. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, could be taking steps to change all of that with a law that would re-label “partially hydrogenated oils” and make the danger that is posed by this chemical more clear.
According to an announcement from the organization itself, the official decision on this subject has yet to be made while more research is performed. But it appears that the FDA has at least connected this kind of ingredient with “bad cholesterol”, and is thus considering banning these additives based on the negative effects they are thought to have, especially since it won’t necessarily prevent the food items that contain them from being made completely.
Even though there appears to be some time to go before any official action gets taken to combat cholesterol, this could lead to a potential reductions in serious health problems, as Dr. Margaret Hamburg, the FDA’s commissioner, said in the agency’s official statement.
“The FDA’s action today is an important step toward protecting more Americans from the potential dangers of trans fat,” she said. “Further reduction in the amount of trans fat in the American diet could prevent an additional 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart disease each year – a critical step in the protection of Americans’ health.”
The New York Times quoted multiple sources that identified this as a positive step forward for the industry that could lead to better health overall. Your food company might start looking more seriously at where trans fats are listed on relevant food labels, and making it more prominent if necessary.
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