NPR did a spread this morning on trans fat labeling. Since 2006, manufacturers have been required to label their products that contain trans fat. Trans fats, or hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, are a made-up fat. Scientists added hydrogens to liquid fats to preserve the oil and make their shelf life longer. It worked, but in the meantime we have a fat that causes inflammation in the body, leading to high cholesterol, heart disease, arthritis, and poor immunity.
The FDA regulates the labeling and addition of trans fats. Labeling laws only require that food producers indicate trans fats in their products containing over 0.5 grams per serving. So labels read "0 grams trans fat" even if the food contains 0.49 grams per serving. The tricky part is, the manufacturer can easily change their serving size to make sure it does not reach the 0.5 barrier. Take Cheetos for example. The front of the package boast 0 grams trans fat, but the snack food in fact has hydrogenated oils, meaning it definitely has trans fat. So make sure to check the ingredients for key words like hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oils and avoid foods like margarine, certain baked goods, commercial peanut butter, and some snack foods like chips or crackers.
Read the whole story here.
The FDA regulates the labeling and addition of trans fats. Labeling laws only require that food producers indicate trans fats in their products containing over 0.5 grams per serving. So labels read "0 grams trans fat" even if the food contains 0.49 grams per serving. The tricky part is, the manufacturer can easily change their serving size to make sure it does not reach the 0.5 barrier. Take Cheetos for example. The front of the package boast 0 grams trans fat, but the snack food in fact has hydrogenated oils, meaning it definitely has trans fat. So make sure to check the ingredients for key words like hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oils and avoid foods like margarine, certain baked goods, commercial peanut butter, and some snack foods like chips or crackers.
Read the whole story here.
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1 comment:
No fair, you are attacking Cheetos because you know of my love for them.
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