The trans fat “ban”: stakeholder politics in action

Food Navigator has a terrific summary of the current fight over the FDA’s proposed “ban” on trans fat.  I put “ban” in quotes because it’s officially a revocation of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status .

Doing something to get rid of trans fats is a no brainer.

• Trans fats raise the risk for heart disease
• No safe level has been defined.
• Plenty of replacement oils exist.

But, as Food Navigator’s Elaine Watson demonstrates, the battle lines are drawn.  Here is her helpful list of who is on which side of efforts to get trans fats out of the food supply.

Public health groups supporting the FDA’s action

• The American Medical Association, click HERE .
• The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND), click HERE .
• Dr Penny Kris-Etherton, nutrition researcher: Partially hydrogenated oils should be phased out in months, not years
• The American Heart Association: The industry doesn’t need years to phase out artificial trans fats
• The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), click HERE .

Groups asking for rescinding the ban or leaving loopholes

• Nestlé, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, General Mills & others: Here are two practical alternatives to a blanket ban on PHOs
• The American Soybean Association… and acardiologist: Soybean industry has ‘grave concerns’, cardiologist says we should act now
• The American Bakers Association: FDA crackdown is unlawful, unnecessary and will have unintended consequences’
• Qualisoy: Removing GRAS status from PHOs is extreme and other options should be explored
• Gum makers: Banning PHOs will cause massive headaches for chewing gum makers
• Crisco oils maker J M Smucker:  FDA crackdown on trans fats will not impact our business
• Palm oil giant Loders Croklaan: How long does the industry really need to eradicate partially hydrogenated oils from the US food supply?
• National Association of Margarine Manufacturers (NAMM): Butter consumption is at a 40-year high, but margarine is the healthier option
• The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), click HERE .
• The International Dairy Foods Association, click HERE .
• The National Restaurant Association, click HERE .

And for what this is all about

• The FDA’s original proposal to revoke the GRAS status of partially hydrogenated oils, plus public comments.
• Food Navigator’s analysis of products making ‘0g trans-fat’ claims even though they still have trans fats.