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Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Partially Hydrogenated Oils on Food Labels in EU

Partially Hydrogenated Oils is permitted with restrictions and maximum levels in European Union: declare as "hardened [source] oil or 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 European Union, Partially Hydrogenated Oils is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food fat. EU Regulation (EU) 2019/649 banned industrial trans fats from April 2021 — maximum 2g trans fat per 100g fat in products sold to final consumers or in catering. Partially hydrogenated oils that would produce trans fats above this limit are effectively banned. Must declare "partially hydrogenated" in name if used at all.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "hardened [source] oil or 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 "hardened [source] oil or 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: hardened [source] oil or partially hydrogenated [source] oil"
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... hardened [source] oil or 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 EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Declare as "hardened [source] oil or partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list. EU Regulation (EU) 2019/649 banned industrial trans fats from April 2021 — maximum 2g trans fat per 100g fat in products sold to final consumers or in catering. Partially hydrogenated oils that would produce trans fats above this limit are effectively banned. Must declare "partially hydrogenated" in name if used at all.

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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