Zero Trans Fats Doesn't Mean No Trans Fats

Trans fatty acids have been in the news a lot lately. First it was a very popular french fry going trans fat-free. Dunkin' Donuts followed close on their salty heels, announcing that it would overhaul most of its menu to include trans fat-free items within weeks. But when it comes to trans fat content and what food makers are permitted to get away with, what about packaged goods such as cookies or potato chips that are labeled "zero" grams trans fats? Alas, this numeric indicator is too good to be true. Food makers are allowed to claim that their goods contain zero grams of trans fat, "as long as they contain less than 0.5 grams per serving." Heck, even Girl Scout cookies aren't protected from this dubious claim. So if you enjoy a couple (or four) mini whoopie pies and they're labeled zero trans fat, you're potentially consuming more of the evil artery clogging fat than you realize. So much for trying to do the right thing by your diet. Consumer advocates are pushing for a label change that's more accurate but in the meantime, what's a cookie and chip lovin' civilian to do? The best advice from doctors and nutritionists alike is to scan the package ingredient list and look for partially hydrogenated oil or "shortening" (the source of trans fats.) If you can't resist the draw of the cupcake, it's recommended that you eat no more than 2 grams of trans fats a day—all those fractions of a gram add up if you eat more than a single serving. It's not all bad news though. There are many food manufacturers and restaurants taking voluntary strides in turning the trans fat tide, entering the on-going battle to make processed food products and menu items healthier.

COMMENTS ()