Soybean growers comment on FDA’s proposal to ban partially hydrogenated

A proposal by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to rescind the generally regarded as safe (GRAS) status for partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), including partially hydrogenated soybean oil, has received comments from the American Soybean Association (ASA). If finalized, the proposal also would require FDA approval for food manufacturers to sell products containing PHOs, according to Agri-Pulse.

Promoting the soybean sector’s work on high oleic soybean varieties, ASA said trans-fat consumption has decreased by nearly 70 percent over the last decade and requested that FDA not withdraw GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils.

The association is concerned the proposal will cause manufacturers to substitute higher saturated fat palm oil for PHOs, while allowing time for increased production of domestic high oleic soybean oil.