AMA Applauds FDA for Steps to Remove Trans Fat from Food Supply

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Medical Association (AMA) commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its decision to remove partially hydrogenated oils, the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, from all U.S. food products.

“Last year, we issued a letter in support of the FDA’s efforts to restrict trans fat and also urged the FDA to take additional steps to impose strict limits on the amount of trans fat in processed foods, said Dr. Steven Stack, AMA president. “Today, we support the FDA’s move to eliminate trans fat as an important component in a multi-pronged strategy needed to help improve public health.

“With ample scientific research linking the consumption of trans fat to dangerous health effects, including heart attack and stroke, the AMA believes that removing trans fat from our nation’s food supply will help reduce the risk of preventable diseases and ultimately save lives,” Stack continued. “The FDA’s action to remove trans fat aligns with the AMA’s ongoing efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and improve health outcomes. Last week, the AMA adopted policy at its 2015 annual meeting supporting state and federal legislation banning the use of artificial trans fat in the U.S.

“The AMA is fully committed to improving the health of the nation,” he went on, “and we will continue to support efforts and advocate for policies that help reduce the burden of preventable diseases — leading to a healthier nation and reducing healthcare costs.”