The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed limits on
trans fat on several nutrient content claims found on food
labels. Restrictions on trans fat would change the nutrient
content claims as follows:
there is less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving and 1 gram
or less of saturated fat.
* “Reduced saturated fat” claims would be permitted only when
there is at least 25 percent less saturated fat and trans fat
combined and at least 25 percent less saturated fat.
* Cholesterol claims would be permitted only on food containing 2
grams or less of saturated fat and trans fat combined.
* “Lean” claims would be permitted when, besides meeting limits
on total fat and cholesterol, the food contains 4.5 grams or less
of saturated fat and trans fat combined.
* “Extra lean” claims would be permitted when, besides meeting
limits on total fat and cholesterol, the food contains less than
2 grams of saturated fat and trans fat combined.
* The proposed new “Trans fat free” claim would be permitted in
the labeling of foods that contain less than 0.5 grams of trans
fat and less than 0.5 grams saturated fat per serving.
* Foods with more than 4 grams of saturated fat and trans fat
combined per serving would also not be able to carry health
claims related to sodium, hypertension, calcium, osteoporosis,
etc.
However, such foods’ labels would be permitted to bear nutrient
content claims (e.g. “low sodium”) if they also have the
statement, “See nutrition information for saturated fat
content.”
The FDA is seeking comments on the proposed rule. The proposal is
on the Internet at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/. Submit written
comments by April 17 to Dockets Management Branch, HFA-305, Food
and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville,
MD 20852.
