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Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Partially Hydrogenated Oils on Food Labels in Canada

Partially Hydrogenated Oils is permitted with restrictions and maximum levels in Canada: declare as "partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Artificially produced trans fats created by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, primary source of industrial trans fatty acids. In Canada, Partially Hydrogenated Oils is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food fat. Health Canada set a 2% industrial trans fat limit on vegetable oils and soft margarines in 2018. Partially hydrogenated oils producing trans fats above this limit are restricted. Must declare if used.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "fat"
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "partially hydrogenated [source] oil"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Partially Hydrogenated Oils
  • Missing the functional class in the ingredient declaration
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Partially Hydrogenated Oils content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"fat: partially hydrogenated [source] oil"
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... partially hydrogenated [source] oil ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Partially Hydrogenated Oils" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Partially Hydrogenated Oils and all its common names (PHO, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Shortening) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Partially Hydrogenated Oils be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list. Health Canada set a 2% industrial trans fat limit on vegetable oils and soft margarines in 2018. Partially hydrogenated oils producing trans fats above this limit are restricted. Must declare if used.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Partially Hydrogenated Oils?

Partially Hydrogenated Oils may appear under the following names: PHO, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Shortening, Hardened vegetable oil. Common hidden sources include: Pre-2018 fried foods, Some baked goods, Non-dairy creamers, Some margarine, Commercial frying oils.

Is Partially Hydrogenated Oils banned or restricted in any market?

Banned in: US. Restricted with maximum levels in: EU, UK, Canada.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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