Food manufacturers will need to reformulate or respond to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's announcement that partially hydrogenated oils, are not "generally recognized as safe."
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat and have been used in some processed foods. While the FDA commended food manufacturers on their efforts to voluntarily decrease the levels of trans fats in their foods, it cautions that, if finalized, PHO's would be considered food additives and would require regulatory approval for future use.
The FDA has opened a 60-day comment period so that food manufacturers can report how many – and how much – of their formulations still contain PHO's.
During the 60-day public comment period, FDA is seeking data and information on a number of issues, including:
- Whether FDA should finalize its tentative determination that PHOs are no longer GRAS
- How long it would take producers to reformulate food products to eliminate PHOs
The comment and submission period starts November 8, 2013. Comments can be submitted electronically to the FDA docket.
To submit comments by mail, send to FDA at:
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
All submissions must include the agency name and docket number.