Instore - January/February 2014 - (Page 18)

regulation watch REGULATION Trans Fats The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made a prelimi- trans fat in foods," says Dennis M. Keefe, Ph.D., director of the FDA's nary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no Office of Food Additive Safety. "FDA is soliciting comments on how longer "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for food. On Dec. 17, the such an action would impact small businesses and how to ensure a FDA extended by 60 days the comment period on its preliminary smooth transition if a final determination is issued." determination, granting an extension to March 8, 2014, because of the large number of stakeholder requests for speaking time. The FDA The FDA has the authority to act when it believes an ingredient is, in plans to conduct a final review and, if PHOs are banned, will provide fact, not GRAS, and that's what the agency said its preliminary determi- food manufacturers with reasonable time to find or develop viable nation is doing now with PHOs. Information on GRAS is found under alternatives. sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The information says any substance that intentionally is added to food The baking industry will need to make the most of the comment is a food additive that is subject to premarket review and approval by period concerning the Federal Register notice in which the FDA seeks FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified to remove artificial trans fats from processed foods, says Theresa experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the condi- Cogswell, president of Baker Cogs, Inc. in Overland Park, KS, and a tions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise consultant to the American Bakers Association. excluded from the definition of a food additive. Questions that may need answering include what is a "zero" level of Partial hydrogenation brings about artificial trans fat in food products. artificial trans fat in products, how sustainable is zero trans fat and how According to the FDA, consuming trans fat raises low-density lipopro- will smaller food manufacturers achieve that goal. tein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. The National Restaurant Association is conducting a survey of industry professionals to determine how the tentative FDA decision The American Bakers Association said of the Federal Register notice: to ban partially hydrogenated oils would affect how the restaurant "ABA will work with its members to review the proposal and provide industry conducts business. thoughtful comment to FDA." The Independent Bakers Association, Washington, said it is reviewing the proposal and investigating the If the FDA's preliminary determination is finalized, then partially potential impact on the baking industry. "IBA members are highly hydrogenated oils would become food additives subject to premarket encouraged to share thoughts, opinions or questions," the IBA says. approval by the agency. Foods containing unapproved food additives are considered adulterated under US law, meaning they cannot be sold legally. "If FDA determines that PHOs are not GRAS, it could, in effect, mean the end of artificial, industrially-produced Questions to consider * How sustainable is zero trans fat? * What is a "zero" level of artificial trans fat in products? * How will smaller food manufacturers achieve that goal? 18 * JAN + FEB 2014 * instore

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Instore - January/February 2014

Instore - January/February 2014
Editor's Note - The Halloween Issue
What's in store for Sept + Oct
Table of Contents
News - On Our Radar
Consumer Insights - Trending Bagels
Trending Deli Meats
Regulation Watch - Trans Fats
Consumer Trends - Consider Mediterranean
All Natural and Organic
Gear Up for Halloween - Fall Forward
Other Emerging Shopper Trends
Understanding Shoppers - Generational Differences
Gear Up for Tailgating - Tailgating 'round the clock
Amazon Fresh expands to LA
Product Trends
Product Showcase
Next Up: The Thanksgiving Issue

Instore - January/February 2014