By Betsy Craig, MenuTrinfo
Last month, the FDA proposed a ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) that could shake up the food industry. At issue is the continued link between partially hydrogenated oil and heart attacks and heart disease.
The ban would apply only to artificial trans fats, not those naturally occurring in some meats and dairy products, and is still under review. The agency has opened a 60-day comment period to collect additional data and to gain input on the time potentially needed for food manufacturers to reformulate products that currently contain artificial trans fat should this determination be finalized. If the ban is finalized, partially hydrogenated oils would be considered “food additives” and could not be used in food unless authorized by regulation.
Many restaurant operators have taken steps to eliminate trans fat from ingredient lists, in response to past research and bans in cities such as San Francisco and New York. For those will transfats still lurking, there are a few steps that can be taken now – to prepare for the ban, and ensure your menus are healthy for your customers.
Restaurant operators can make the switch now to a fully saturated fat, such as lard, palm oil or completely hydrogenated fats. If your restaurant deep fries some of its menu items, canola oil is high in monounsaturated fat and plant omega-3s, has a neutral flavor and can handle high heat. Moreover, it makes a huge health change.
This is also a good time to start reading product labels to identify the products with partially hydrogenated oils. If you do find those nasty transfats, now is also the time to look for alternative products. Many providers have already eliminated transfats, so talking with your manufacturer is a good first step. The manufacturer’s rep could also tell you if they are in the process of reformulating an item to eliminate partially hydrogenated oils, or if they’re planning to in the future.
In the long term, operators can also consider replacing partially hydrogenated oils with fats that have a more healthful effect, such as monounsaturated fat and omega-3s.
To some the FDA’s announcement is draconian, but the reality is there’s nothing to fear. By starting the process now to remove artificial trans fats from your menus, your brand will stay one step ahead of your customers — and your competition.