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Monday, August 27, 2007
Zero trans fat not really zero?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Q and A is taken directly from the FDA’s web site.
Q: Is it possible for a food product to list the amount of trans fat as 0 g on the Nutrition Facts panel if the ingredient list indicates that it contains “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil?”
A: Yes. Food manufacturers are allowed to list amounts of trans fat with less than 0.5 gram (1/2 g) as 0 (zero) on the Nutrition Facts panel. As a result, consumers may see a few products that list 0 gram trans fat on the label, while the ingredient list will have “shortening” or “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on it. This means the food contains very small amounts (less than 0.5 g) of trans fat per serving. In other words, zero doesn’t always mean zero.
Are you confused yet? How much attention do you pay to levels of trans fat in food?
For more information, check out this Better Health story on the issue.
