Progressing to Zero

Baking & Snack, August 1, 2003
by Meyer Sosland

Substantive responses to the trans fat issue are gathering steam throughout the food industry as many manufacturers reformulate their products with oils devoid of trans fats.

"Trans fat (also known as trans fatty acids) is a specific type of fat formed when food [ingredient] manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine," according to the Food and Drug Administration’s Web site. The fact that "Trans fat behaves like saturated fat by raising low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol that increases your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD)" is what causes concern among many.

This past fall, Frito-Lay, Inc., Plano, Texas, announced product conversion to corn oil for preparation of Doritos, Tostitos and Cheetos snacks, which resulted in 0 g of trans fats in these core brands. Along with Lay’s, Ruffles, Fritos and Rold Gold Pretzels, Frito-Lay’s most popular products contain 0 g of trans fat.

Frito-Lay has also begun changing its packaging to include a trans fat content line in the Nutrition Facts label on its core brands. The company instituted this step prior to F.D.A.’s July 9 publication of its final rule regarding the labeling of trans fat content. Frito-Lay said it was the first company to have made this Nutrition Facts label change proactively.

Kellogg Company, Battle Creek, Mich., is examining its options on reformulation of products that contain trans fats, the company’s chief executive officer Carlos Gutierrez noted during a July 28 conference call. Many of its Keebler brand cookie and cracker products would be affected.

Another major food company also "exploring" the cutting of trans fats from some of its items is Kraft Foods North America, Northfield, Ill. The company recently reported that it is reviewing all products, "to see where it could provide reduced-fat alternatives." In the Nabisco line, the company has been successful in eliminating trans fats from its Ritz Crackers but has not been able to do the same with Oreos.

McKee Foods Corp., Collegedale, Tenn., manufacturer of Little Debbie snack cakes, "plans on changing its labels to reflect trans fat content," said Mike Lorren, spokesman for McKee. He further commented that "McKee intends to study both alternatives to partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and ways to reduce trans fats from the company’s products."

Spectrum Organic Products, Inc., Petaluma, Calif., manufactures and markets several cooking oils including a Canola Oil that’s packaging exhibits a side note stating that the product, "Contains no trans fatty acids."

Newman’s Own Organics, Aptos, Calif., has three varieties of microwave popcorn, Butter, Light Butter and 94% Fat Free Unsalted, that all prominently display on the front label the fact that they contain no partially hydrogenated shortening and no trans fatty acids. Newman’s Own uses organic palm oil in its microwave popcorn.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Melville, N.Y. manufactures and markets Bearitos All Natural Tortilla Chips, noting on its front label that the chips contain no hydrogenated oils. These chips are made with expeller-pressed oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil.

While none of the Nutrition Facts labels on three previously noted companies’ products offer information on trans fats content, Pirate Booty snacks from Sea Cliff, N.Y.-based Robert’s American Gourmet do. These puffed rice and corn snacks contain 0 g of trans fats and are made with canola and/or rice oil.