National Consumers League statement on FDA determination to eliminate unapproved trans fat – National Consumers League
November 21, 2013
Contact: NCL Communications, Ben Klein, (202) 835-3323, benk@nclnet.org
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Consumers League submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its recent decision to no longer qualify partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) as safe additives in food. FDA plans on continuing its efforts to reduce Americans artificial trans fat intake by requiring that all PHO additives be approved. In its comments, NCL, the nation’s pioneering consumer organization, commended FDA on its efforts and encouraged additional labeling be added for approved trans fats. Current regulations state that trans fats under 0.5 grams per serving don’t need to be included on the nutrition label.
“Overall, we are pleased with FDAs determination to remove this harmful additive from the marketplace and look forward to seeing the determination in action,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL’s Executive Director. “But the FDA should take another step to require better labeling for products that will continue to contain trans fats. A half gram of trans fat is still a significant amount to a health-conscious consumer, and It’s imperative that consumers are aware of what’s in their food.”
To read the full letter, click here (PDF).
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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
