National Campaign to Ban Trans-Fats

A nationwide campaign is being launched to ban trans-fatty acids in cakes, snacks and fast foods.

Manufactured by pumping hydrogen into vegetable oils to create partially hydrogenated oils and solid margarines, the method is highly popular among food processors because it extends the shelf life of foods.

Nutritional guidelines have long advocated cutting back on saturated fatty acids found in meat and dairy products. Instead, they recommend boosting unsaturated fats abundant in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, based in Washington DC, hopes that its TransFreeAmerica campaign will raise awareness of the health concerns. It is urging food manufacturers to eliminate trans-fats and advising consumers to boycott foods containing them. It is also calling on the US Food and Drug Administration to outlaw partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at May 21, 2004 10:15 AM | TrackBack