Frequently Asked Questions

What are Trans Fats (Trans Fatty Acids)?

Trans fat is made when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil--a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.

Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Unlike other fats, the majority of trans fat is formed when manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. A small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in some animal-based foods.

Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL cholesterol that increases your risk for CHD. Americans consume on average 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diets.

Are All Fats the Same?

Simply put: No. Fat is a major source of energy for the body and aids in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K and carotenoids. Both animal- and plant-derived food products contain fat, and when eaten in moderation, fat is important for proper growth, development, and maintenance of good health.

As a food ingredient, fat affects taste, consistency, and stability and helps you feel full. In addition, parents should be aware that fats are an especially important source of calories and nutrients for infants and toddlers (up to 2 years of age), who have the highest energy needs per unit of body weight of any age group.

What Can You Do About Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol?

When comparing foods, look at the Nutrition Facts panel, and choose the food with the lower amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet. However, these experts recognize that eliminating these three components entirely from your diet is not practical because they are unavoidable in ordinary diets.

Where Can You Find Trans Fat on the Food Label?

Beginning in January 2006 food manufacturers must list trans fat on all their products.

You will find trans fat listed on the Nutrition Facts panel directly under the line for saturated fat.

If the label says "zero trans fats" I don't have to worry about my trans fat consumption, right?

No, over 40% of food in the grocery store contains vegetable oil, much with smaller quantities of trans fats. You should read the label ingredients and determine if 'hydrogenated soybean oil' is listed, since there may be quantities below the FDA minimum, but if you consume enough of them, you are getting too many trans fats in your diet. For example, look at the labels of non-dairy creamers and microwave popcorn and note if they have hydrogenated oil listed in the ingredients."

How Do Your Choices Stack Up?

With the addition of trans fat to the Nutrition Facts panel, you can review your food choices. (See the table illustrating total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol content per serving for selected food products.)

Don't assume similar products are the same. Be sure to check the Nutrition Facts panel because even similar foods can vary in calories, ingredients, nutrients, and the size and number of servings in a package. Even if you continue to buy the same brand of a product, check the Nutrition Facts panel frequently because ingredients can change at any time.

Source: Internet site, Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/features/2003/503_fats.html

Why choose soybean oil?

Naturally, soybean oil is bland in flavor. It doesn't mask the flavor of foods or spices that are on foods. Some other oils have distinct flavor and odor characteristics