Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Partially Hydrogenated Oils on Food Labels in UK

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

Check My Label for UK Compliance Paste Ingredients List

What the Rule Is

Artificially produced trans fats created by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, primary source of industrial trans fatty acids. In United Kingdom, Partially Hydrogenated Oils is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food fat. UK has maintained the EU 2g/100g trans fat limit post-Brexit. FSA recommends minimizing trans fat consumption. Partially hydrogenated oils contributing to excess trans fat are not compliant.

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 UK rules.

Start Your Compliance Check

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Declare as "partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list. UK has maintained the EU 2g/100g trans fat limit post-Brexit. FSA recommends minimizing trans fat consumption. Partially hydrogenated oils contributing to excess trans fat are not compliant.

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.

Ensure UK Compliance

Get your label checked against all UK regulations in seconds.

AI-powered compliance check
200+ regulatory checks
Detailed violation reports
Fix suggestions included

Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources

UK Compliance Hub

Explore all UK labeling requirements in one place.

View UK Hub

Ready to Ensure Full UK Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all Retained EU Law & UK FIC requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29 View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide