Canola Oil And Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil

This ingredient is a blend of canola oil and hydrogenated cottonseed oil. Canola oil is extracted from the seeds of the canola plant, while cottonseed oil comes from cotton seeds. Hydrogenation is a process that adds hydrogen atoms to the oil, making it more solid and stable.

Manufacturers use this blend to provide desired texture, mouthfeel, and stability in food products. Hydrogenated oils help create specific consistencies, such as in baked goods, icings, and frozen desserts. It is commonly found in products like ice cream, cookies, and cakes.

In the United States, canola oil is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), which contain artificial trans fat, are no longer considered GRAS by the FDA as of 2018. Fully hydrogenated oils, which do not contain artificial trans fat, remain GRAS. JECFA has evaluated fats and oils, noting concerns about trans fatty acids from PHOs. The FDA's action on PHOs aimed to remove most artificial trans fat from the food supply due to its association with increased risk of heart disease.