Cheers to FDA, Jeers to Trans Fats

Published on Thu Nov 21, 2013 - 2 min read

Published by: Bryan Bradford

By Bryan Bradford, Chief Nutrition Officer of Sunflower Shoppe Natural Foods

November 27, 2013

There is reason to applaud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the recent news on trans fats. In fact, it has begun the process of banning all trans fats from our food supply – and that’s worth a standing ovation!

On November 7, the FDA announced that it has made a 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. It has found that trans fats may be responsible for up to 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths each year! No amount of trans fats are safe to eat. Our labels may state: “Trans Fat – 0” but if there are any partially hydrogenated oils listed in the ingredients list you are consuming trans fats!

While trans fats have been in our food supply since before Sunflower Shoppe opened its doors 43 years ago, we have always maintained that this ingredient has been an unhealthy choice and have done our part to educate our customers and offer healthier alternatives.

Please visit the links below for more information about trans fats – what they are and how you can recognize them on food labels, such as pastries, frostings, margarines and some frozen foods. Pay particular attention to the foods you eat at restaurants. It’s true that some companies have stopped using trans fats, but it is always wise to ask if in doubt! The process of actually phasing out all trans fats could take years. Be sure to protect yourself and your family in the meantime.

For more information about this or other health topics, come visit us at Sunflower Shoppe – where great health is just a way of life!

http://www.fda.gov/Food/PopularTopics/ucm373922.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/07/health/fda-trans-fats/
http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/fda-proposes-to-eliminate-trans-fats

The content and opinions expressed in this “Shoppe Talk” blog are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or to provide medical advice. We are not medical doctors and we do not prescribe medication. If you have any questions about the relationship between nutrition and supplements, we recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified and licensed health practitioner. Our opinions are based on the literature and data from a variety of medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, biochemists and other professional researchers. You are encouraged to make your health care decisions based on your own research and the advice of a qualified health care professional.