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University of Wyoming

Nutrition News: Trans Fat

What are trans fats?

Trans fats are created by manufacturers by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils to make the oils more solid or into a more stable form.  By adding hydrogen it not only makes it more solid it also makes the fat less “greasy” tasting. This process is called hydrogenation.  Trans fats also occur naturally in low amounts in some foods. 

What foods contain trans fats? And why are trans fats in these foods? 

Trans fats are most commonly found as an ingredient in processed foods like commercial baked goods, such as crackers, cakes and cookies, and are often used to fry foods, like doughnuts and French fries.  Other items that may be high in trans fats are vegetable shortening and stick margarine.  Trans fat can also occur naturally in low amounts in some foods.  About 1/5 of trans fats in the diet come from animal sources such as certain meats and dairy products.
Trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, are used in processed foods because they help produce high quality food products that stay fresh longer and have a more agreeable texture.  Some products that are benefited by using hydrogenated vegetable oils are margarine products.  By using partially hydrogenated oil manufactures are able to produce a spreadable topping that has lower saturated fat than butter and is soft coming out of the refrigerator.

Are trans fats included on the Nutrition Facts panel?

As of now trans fats are not required to be on the Nutrition Facts panel, but because of trans fats connection with heart disease and increased cholesterol, the Food and Drug Administration announced in 2003 that all manufactures will be required to list trans fats on nutrition labels by January 2006.  The new label will require a trans fat line to be declared directly under the saturated fat line of the Nutrition Facts panel on all products with a measurable amount of trans fats (at least .5 grams per serving). 

How is the Washakie Dining Center adjusting to trans fats?

The Washakie Dining Center recognizes the importance of having a variety of food options; this includes offering foods that are trans fat-free.  Starting the fall semester of 2004 the Washakie Dining Center will be incorporating the use of trans fat-free oil for frying French fries.  The trans fat-free French fries will be located at the Grand Grill.  The Washakie Center will continue to incorporate trans fat-free products as they become available to the food service industry.   

 

Supplemental Information:

Information for this article was obtained from the web site of the Mayo Clinic. 

 

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