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The FDA has given food manufacturing companies 3 years to comply with a new ban on partially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fat.
Trans fat is found in baked, fried and processed food and is associated with heart disease. It has been used for decades because it is cheaper and lasts longer than animal-based fats.
However, reduced cost means increased consumption in many low-income and minority populations. Latinos are not only faced with increased marketing for cheaper processed foods, but they are also burdened with increased risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity.
The FDA estimates that removing trans fats will help prevent up to 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths each year.
Dr. Golomb said, “as I tell patients, while trans fats increase the shelf life of foods, they reduce the shelf life of people.”
Read more information about the FDA’s ban on trans fat.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
