Hydrogenated oils etc

simu

Are food makers obliged to state on their ingredients lists whether the oils etc used in a product have been hydrogenated? Just wondering!

Thanks!

ronbyrne2005

yeah,labels must say hydrogenated vegtable oil.but in fast food outlets etc they dont and these are the worst offenders when it comes to trans fats, a fastfood meal contains around 6 grams of trans fats,theres no safe limit for these and the american medical authorities recomend no more than 2 grams of trans fat a day. i avoid anything with hydrogenated fats but its difficult as it is so pervassive in food products,even my beloved mince pies contain loads!:mad:

simu

Unfortunately, most people don't seem to be aware of this issue. Only when they are will fast food outlets come under pressure to change their ways.

Guess you'll just have to try homemade mince pies!

ronbyrne2005

http://www.bantransfats.com/

and why does everything have so many additives and artificial colors flavors etc in them?? we dont know the long term implications of this stuff.

simu

It's cheaper - gives food a longer shelf-life.

ronbyrne2005

i know the food science bit it was more of a rhetorical question,but why arent there more healthy alternatives?? unless the consumer starts demanding healthier options we wont get alternatives

simu

Yeah, I hear you. I hate the way the whole healthy food thing is so faddy - people get obsessed with avoiding carbs but ignore trans fats. Grr!