FDA Cracks Down On Use Of Artificial Trans Fats

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It's a boon to healthy oils--and a bust for the worst kinds of fats.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, announced Tuesday that it will require food companies to phase out the use of artificial trans fats within three years.

"I think this is actually excellent," said South Florida nutritionist Angelique Johnson.

Don't make the "right to eat what you want" argument to Johnson. She told CBS4's Natalia Zea she is thrilled the new regulations will cut out trans fats.

"Trans fats have no nutritional benefit, scientists have found it's just to make the food taste better, just to make the food have a better texture. But it's not good for you in any sense…[The ban] is also going to help lower the risks of heart attacks and heart disease throughout the United States every single year."

The decision was based on a "thorough review" of scientific evidence, according to the FDA. The evidence finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not "generally recognized as safe" or GRAS for use in human food.

In the next three years, food manufacturers will have to remove PHOs from products.

CLICK HERE to watch Natalia Zea's report

Johnson says the new rule will also protect unwitting diners who don't control the kitchens where some of their food is prepared.

"This is going to allow the consumer to feel a little bit better about eating the foods they don't have control over, out at restaurants, so they know they can eat healthy and enjoy eating out as well."

And Johnson adds being more aware can make all of us healthier...especially in an industry that can be a bit misleading in its advertisement.

She says that even if the snack you're eating says zero grams of trans fats, the way the law currently stands, that does not mean there are no trans fats in the snack food.

"The FDA allows up to half-a-gram of trans fats to actually be in products without having to put it on the label….if it says partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated you can be assured there are trans fats in that product."

Now though, companies have three years to phase out the trans fats or face fines. Many already have cut back, or cut trans fats out altogether in anticipation of this FDA decision.

The good news for fatty food lovers? Johnson reminds us, some fats are good fats.

Nuts, seeds, avocado and oils such as olive oil, sesame oil and canola oil are good examples of foods that contain good fats.

And if you must have that burger and fries?

"Treat it as a treat. If you absolutely must eat those things, don't make it as the main part of your day."

Since 2006, manufacturers have been required to include trans fat content information on food labels.

The FDA estimates that between 2003 and 2012, consumer trans fat consumption decreased about 78 percent, crediting the 2006 labeling rule and industry reformulation of foods.