Day 30: Trans Fats

Good news for the health (and waistline) of America!  The FDA took the first step today towards eliminating trans fats.  Not just letting you know it's bad for you, no, they're trying to get rid of trans fats completely.

The FDA has made a "preliminary determination" that trans fats are no longer "generally recognized as safe. If this is finalized, then trans fats, or partially hydrogenated oils, can no longer be used in food without approval.  Which means ... they cannot legally be sold.

Already trans fats are banned in New York City and a few years ago McDonalds stopped cooking fries in trans fats.  Lots of other companies have pulled the plug on trans fats, but they are still in lots of other food you use every day.

Trans fats are in processed foods like margarine, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, creamer, and even Bisquick!   Trans fats are made when hydrogen is added to liquid oils to make solid fats - it increases the shelf life and flavor of foods.    It makes foods like peanut butter smoother and can be kept on store shelves.

What makes it so bad?  Trans fats can raise the "bad" cholesterol levels and actually lower your "good" cholesterol levels.

What's next?  A 60-day public comment period and hopefully trans fats will soon be off store shelves.