The FDA announced this month a proposal to eliminate artificial trans fats that are found in processed foods, such as cookies and frozen pizza. The proposal would classify artificial trans fats as a food additive, and thus requiring regulatory approval. Since 2006, the FDA has required that artificial trans fats be cited on food labels, which encouraged many food manufacturers to stop using them. Since 2005, food manufacturers have lowered the quantity of trans fats in foods by more than 73%, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland currently regulate sales of foods containing artificial trans fats. Palm kernel oil is often used as a substitute fat. However, FDA officials acknowledge that some products will be hard to reformulate. The American Soybean Association stated that soybean varieties high in oleic fatty acids could also serve as a substitute and should be available by 2016.

Source: Reuters