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January 06, 2006
Now You'll Know
The New Year brings government-ordered changes to the health labels on foods. One big change is that companies now have to say how much trans fat their products contain.
The trans fat information can be found in just one new line in the label, but it’s important information. Trans fat is basically shortening and is considered the unhealthiest kind of fat.
It improves taste and texture and increases the shelf life of baked and processed foods. Many cookies, oils, and foods found in the frozen aisle have trans fats. The problem is that they increase your risk of a heart attack.
Not all products in stores have the new labels on them yet, so you need to look closely while companies change their labels. Products made and leaving the factory after January 1, must have the new trans fat label. A product can claim to have zero trans fat, if it contains 1/2 a gram or less.
This is a small step towards helping consumers get the information they need for healthier diets. The FDA estimates that the new rule along with the resulting changes in how products are made, will prevent up to 1,200 cases of heart disease and as many as 500 deaths a year.
Posted by Lisa at January 6, 2006 11:07 AM
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