On November 7,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced plans to change its
classification of trans-fatty acids and remove the designation “Generally
Recognized As Safe.” If enacted, this change would result in a de facto ban of
synthetic trans fats. In practice, this means food manufacturers would need to
prove to the agency the use of trans fats would not have any adverse health
effects before products containing them could enter commerce.
The de facto ban on trans fat’s GRAS status signals a sea
change in the agency’s approach to food-safety regulation. Historically, the
FDA has banned only additives and products that could be acutely
dangerous to public health. FDA attempts to limit other ingredients, such as
salt and sugar, have met public backlash, but it’s unlikely many will step up
to defend trans fats, considering the scientific evidence that seems to link
its long-term consumption with a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular
disease…… Since almost any food can become dangerous if consumed in excess over
an extended period, this move would set a precedent for the FDA to go after
other food ingredients. Unsurprisingly, self-styled “public health” advocates —
always at the forefront of nanny state regulatory efforts – are
elated at this prospect…….To Read More…..
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