Front of Package Warning Labels and Oil Ban Feedback Survey |
Questions on Prohibition of Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHO's) in foods
Health Canada values the input Canadians and interested and affected stakeholders have on its proposed policies. We welcome your comments and feedback on the proposed approach to prohibit the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in foods.
In order to achieve the public health objective of reducing the trans fat intake of the great majority of the population to less than 1% of total energy intake, Health Canada is proposing to amend the Food and Drug Regulations to prohibit the use of PHOs in foods sold in Canada.
Under this proposal, PHOs are defined as those fats and oils that have been hydrogenated, but not to complete or near complete saturation, and with an iodine value (IV) greater than 4. The iodine value (IV) of a fat or oil is not a direct measure of trans fat content but relates to the extent of unsaturation. In general, oils and fats with an IV of 4 or less contain trans fats at levels similar to non-hydrogenated fats and oils.
Recognizing that prohibiting PHOs will require certain manufacturers to reformulate their products, Health Canada is proposing that a 12-month transition period be provided following the adoption into regulation of the prohibition. This should provide sufficient time for impacted industry stakeholders to reformulate their products and/or exhaust existing stock. With regard to product reformulation, Health Canada urges industry to consider, wherever possible, the use of more healthful alternatives (e.g., unsaturated rather than saturated fats).
In order to achieve the public health objective of reducing the trans fat intake of the great majority of the population to less than 1% of total energy intake, Health Canada is proposing to amend the Food and Drug Regulations to prohibit the use of PHOs in foods sold in Canada.
Under this proposal, PHOs are defined as those fats and oils that have been hydrogenated, but not to complete or near complete saturation, and with an iodine value (IV) greater than 4. The iodine value (IV) of a fat or oil is not a direct measure of trans fat content but relates to the extent of unsaturation. In general, oils and fats with an IV of 4 or less contain trans fats at levels similar to non-hydrogenated fats and oils.
Recognizing that prohibiting PHOs will require certain manufacturers to reformulate their products, Health Canada is proposing that a 12-month transition period be provided following the adoption into regulation of the prohibition. This should provide sufficient time for impacted industry stakeholders to reformulate their products and/or exhaust existing stock. With regard to product reformulation, Health Canada urges industry to consider, wherever possible, the use of more healthful alternatives (e.g., unsaturated rather than saturated fats).
For more information, refer to the consultation document on the prohibition of PHOs in food. (attached to the email of the survey)
Now that you have had a chance to consider the information above, please consider taking the time to answer some questions below.
Now that you have had a chance to consider the information above, please consider taking the time to answer some questions below.