FDA Extends Comment Period on Trans Fat in Processed Foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended until March 8, 2014, the period for submission of comments and scientific data pertaining to its preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food. FDA published a notice in the November 8 Federal Register announcing this determination and requesting comments on (i) possible alternative approaches; (ii) the time needed for reformulation; (iii) the burden on small businesses; and (iv) other technical challenges to removing PHOs from the food supply. Additional details about FDA’s opinion on trans fat appear in Issue 503 of this Update. See CFSAN Constituent Update, December 17, 2013.

Issue 508