Food manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have debated the use of trans fats for more than a decade. Even though these fats can exist naturally, the amount artificial trans fat consumed contributes to several public health concerns, most notably heart disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In an effort to lessen heart risks, the FDA now wants to ban trans fat in processed foods, according to a statement released Thursday.
In 2006, the agency required manufacturers to declare the amount of trans fat per serving on food labels. But under the 2006 requirements, foods can still contain up to 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving and still be labeled trans-fat free. Processed foods can also still include large amounts of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) — a major source of trans fat.
Source: Weather Channel
