But as always, the devil is in the detail.
What about PHOs used in processing aids, or ingredients that contribute negligible amounts of trans fat to the diet? And are there more practical alternatives to a blanket ban on PHOs that would help the FDA achieve its objective (cracking down on trans-fats) without causing formulation nightmares?
From a legal perspective, meanwhile, has the agency presented compelling evidence that further reductions of trans-fat below current intakes will make such a material difference to the risk of coronary heart disease that regulatory action is justified?
Finally, if the FDA does go ahead and ban PHOs from the US food supply, how long should industry be given to phase them out?
Is there a safe level of trans fat?
A brief glance through the comments submitted to the docket on this issue reveals opinions are sharply divided.
The American Heart Association and the American Medical Association, for example, argue that there is no ‘safe’ level of trans fat and that a phase out should take months, not years.
Most food industry associations, however, argue that there are other ways to tackle trans fats instead of issuing a blanket ban on PHOs, and that if the FDA concludes a ban is the best option, firms need several years to adjust.
Fats and oils suppliers, meanwhile, are also divided over the move, with the soybean industry urging caution, at least until new high-oleic soybean oils are more widely available; while palm oil suppliers say alternatives to PHOs are already widely available, and that palm oil has been unfairly demonized due to its saturated fat content.
What do key stakeholders think?
In this special, we have pulled together views from different stakeholders to demonstrate what a hornet's nest the FDA's Nov 7 announcement has stirred up.
FOOD MANUFACTURERS/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Nestlé, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, General Mills & others: Here are two practical alternatives to a blanket ban on PHOs
The American Soybean Association… and a cardiologist: Soybean industry has ‘grave concerns’, cardiologist says we should act now
The American Bakers Association: FDA crackdown is unlawful, unnecessary and will have unintended consequences'
Qualisoy: Removing GRAS status from PHOs is extreme and other options should be explored
Gum makers: Banning PHOs will cause massive headaches for chewing gum makers
Crisco oils maker J M Smucker: FDA crackdown on trans fats will not impact our business
Palm oil giant Loders Croklaan: How long does the industry really need to eradicate partially hydrogenated oils from the US food supply?
National Association of Margarine Manufacturers (NAMM): Butter consumption is at a 40-year high, but margarine is the healthier option
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), click HERE.
The International Dairy Foods Association, click HERE.
The National Restaurant Association, click HERE.
SCIENTIFIC, NUTRITION COMMUNITY, CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS
The American Medical Association, click HERE.
The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND), click HERE.
Dr Penny Kris-Etherton, nutrition researcher: Partially hydrogenated oils should be phased out in months, not years
The American Heart Association: The industry doesn’t need years to phase out artificial trans fats
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), click HERE.
Click HERE to read the FDA’s original proposal to revoke the GRAS status of PHOs - which shocked the trade when it was announced last November, plus all the comments in the docket (which has now closed).
Read more about PHOs and 0g trans fat claims: How many products making ‘0g trans-fat’ claims still contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHOs)?