Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are the main source of industrially produced trans fats in the Canadian diet, and are found in a wide assortment of foods. There are two main types of PHOs: fully hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils.
Consuming trans fats has been shown to increase risk of heart disease. Some trans fats can be introduced into the food supply during food processing. Since consuming certain commercially available foods containing PHOs can be a health concern for Canadians, Health Canada has prioritized the reduction of trans-fat intakes of Canadians.
This has been done using a staged approach over the past decade, including:
- Mandatory labelling of all trans fats in the Nutrition Facts tables of food labels;
- Setting criteria with regulations for the use of “trans-fat free” claims;
- The appropriation of voluntary targets for trans fats in processed foods, guided by a monitoring program;
- A recent notice (April 7, 2017) of their intent to prohibit the use of PHOs in Canadian foods. Health Canada intends to accomplish the full prohibition of PHOs by adding them to Part 1 of their List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods. This document provides a framework for both rationale and proposed timelines for industry compliance. As well, the document outlines applicable contact information for anyone wishing to submit feedback, or new information for Health Canada to consider.
Further information on how this may affect you or your product, reach out to us and we’d be happy to have a discussion!
