Health Canada announces ban on oils used in making trans fats

Health Canada is taking the final steps toward a ban on the main source of artificial trans fats in Canadian diets.

The agency is prohibiting partially hydrogenated oils or PHOs, which are the main source of industrially produced trans fats in all food sold in the country, including those foods prepared in restaurants.

The PHOs are used in the production of pastries, other baked goods and some packaged goods as a means of extending shelf life.

The ban will come into effect on Sept. 15, 2018, in order to give the food industry enough time to find suitable alternatives.

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