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Ingredient Guide

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Partially Hydrogenated Oils on Food Labels in US

Partially Hydrogenated Oils (fat) is BANNED β€” not permitted in food products for food use in United States β€” products containing it cannot be sold in this market.

What the Rule Is

Artificially produced trans fats created by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, primary source of industrial trans fatty acids. In United States, Partially Hydrogenated Oils is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food fat. FDA REVOKED GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils effective June 2018. No PHOs may be added to human food. This was a final determination following a 2015 preliminary finding. Any remaining PHOs require a specific food additive petition. Trans Fat on Nutrition Facts panel must be declared if 0.5g+ per serving.

What You Must Include
  • Do NOT include Partially Hydrogenated Oils in any food product sold in US
  • Review all formulations and reformulate to remove this ingredient
  • Check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for presence
  • Obtain documentary evidence from suppliers confirming absence
  • Update labels to remove the ingredient declaration if reformulated
Common Violations
  • Selling products containing Partially Hydrogenated Oils in US β€” this is a regulatory violation
  • Not checking compound/sub-ingredients for banned ingredient presence
  • Not informing regulators when a banned ingredient is found post-launch
  • Using old pre-ban formulations or artwork on products still in distribution
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

Product reformulated to remove Partially Hydrogenated Oils with updated artwork
Ingredient list with no reference to Partially Hydrogenated Oils or its synonyms
Certificate from supplier confirming absence of Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Non-Compliant Examples

Ingredient list containing "Partially Hydrogenated Oils" or any synonym
Products sold in US that were formulated before the ban without reformulation
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 US rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Partially Hydrogenated Oils is banned for food use in US β€” it cannot be present in food products sold here. If found, the product must be withdrawn.

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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