Canada’s Ban on Partially Hydrogenated Oils Now in Effect
Canada’s ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) is now in effect. PHOs are a significant source of trans fats – chemicals that raise “bad” cholesterol levels (low-density lipoprotein; LDL) in the blood and reduce blood levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein; HDL). High blood levels of LDL is a risk factor for heart disease while HDL protects against heart disease.
While food manufacturers will no longer be permitted to add PHOs to foods, there is a two-year phase-in period during which foods containing PHOs that were manufactured prior to September 17, 2018 can continue to be sold until September 17, 2020.
More information on the ban can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s web site, here.