Health Law

Trans fats would likely be banned under FDA proposal

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Artery-clogging trans fats would likely be banned under a proposal by the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA is proposing that partially hydrogenated oils no longer be “generally recognized as safe,” report the New York Times, the Associated Press and Bloomberg News.

The proposal, which will be open for comment for 60 days, would require companies to prove that partially hydrogenated oils—which are the source of trans fats—are safe to eat. According to the Times, that’s “a very high hurdle given that scientific literature overwhelmingly shows the contrary.”

Many food companies cut artificial trans fats from foods after the FDA required them to be listed on food labels in 2006. However, many processed foods still have the substance, including some microwave popcorn, frozen pizzas, margarines and coffee creamers, the Times says.

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