FDA moving to ban trans fat from processed foods

The Food and Drug Administration acknowledged Thursday for the first time that trans fats are unsafe, and took steps toward banning the artery-clogging substance from scores of food products.

The move follows a massive effort by food makers and restaurant chains to remove the fat during the last decade, as consumers become more educated about risks and vote for healthier alternatives with their wallets. The FDA has required nutritional labels break out trans fat content since 2006, a regulation that spurred many companies to alter their recipes.

Trans fats, used in a number of products from margarine and coffee creamer to frozen pizza, are still a big risk for Americans despite lower consumption during the last 20 years. The primary dietary source of trans fats in the American diet is from partially hydrogenated oils.

“While consumption of potentially harmful artificial trans fat has declined over the last two decades in the United States, current intake remains a significant public health concern,” said Dr. Margaret Hamburg, an FDA commissioner.