FDA Acts to Ban Trans Fat in Foods
On November 7, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) published an announcement, entitled “Tentative Determination Regarding Partially Hydrogenated Oils,” announcing its preliminary determination that Partially Hydrogenated Oils (“PHOs”), which are the primary source of trans fatty acids (trans fat) in processed foods, are not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for any use in food. The FDA’s determination is based on evidence that the consumption of PHOs, which are commonly added to food to increase shelf life and flavor, are associated with serious health risks. Accordingly, the FDA's action signals the first steps in a move to ban trans…