ConAgra Removes PHOs from Spreads 2 Years Ahead of Deadline

Effective June 2, ConAgra Foods Inc., discontinued the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in the manufacturing of all spreads in the company’s portfolio including the Fleischmann’s®, Blue Bonnet® and Parkay® brands. The move comes two years ahead of the FDA’s 2018 deadline for food and beverage manufacturers to remove them entirely from food products.

In June 2015, FDA announced it had finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary food manufacturing source of trans fats, are not “generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). The agency essentially banned trans fats in food products, and the “no trans fats" label on food products will become obsolete. Naturally occurring trans fats found in small amounts in some meat and dairy products are not additives and a special case, and they do not fall under the ban.

FDA gave food companies have three years to remove PHOs from food products unless the particular use of PHO is permitted by a food additive petition currently under review by FDA. ConAgra began transitioning away from PHOs in 2006 and has removed the vast majority from the company’s portfolio by using a variety of ingredients and preparation techniques that maintain the foods’ taste.

“Our goal is to continue to provide our consumers with great tasting food made with high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices," said Colleen Bailey, brand director, ConAgra. “We are pleased to have removed PHO from our spreads well in advance of the FDA’s timeline."

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