Beware of Trans Fats

On January 1, the FDA set the requirement that trans fats be listed on food labels. This came in the wake of overwhelming evidence concerning the negative health effects of consumption of trans fats. Unfortunately, the copious medical research “documentation” has not yet provided the FDA with an actual amount that can be used to establish a “Daily Value.” What does that mean? Basically, it means that while the labeling law helps, labels still don’t give consumers all the information they need to make healthful choices.

For now, only the actual amount (grams) of trans fats must be listed on the label. Since the Daily Value isn’t known, there can’t be a percentage of the Daily Value displayed. This means that the grams aren’t put into perspective for the consumer.

Beyond that, the FDA has not yet approved any nutrient content claims or health claims regarding trans fats. So labels can only make factual statements about the amount or percentage of trans fats in the product. For example, a label can say “1.5 grams of trans fat” or “0 grams trans fats.” You won’t see labels making claims such as “won’t increase your cholesterol” or “reduced trans fat.”  These kinds of claims have neither been defined nor approved for use in regards to trans fat labeling.

So how can you use the information? Even though a Daily Value hasn’t been set, my feeling is that zero trans fat should be your goal. So try to limit your intake of trans fat as much as possible. Use the information on labels to choose the products that have low or no trans fats. 

One exciting consequence of this new labeling law is that it is prompting manufacturers to substitute healthier oils for trans fats. Of course, it will take time for this transition to take place, especially when you consider the taste requirements of consumers and the “function” requirements of manufacturers. Nevertheless, healthful products are becoming more readily available. So continue to educate yourself, and through your education influence the market and the healthier direction that manufacturers take.