Hydrogenated Canola And Cottonseed Oil

This ingredient is a blend of canola oil and cottonseed oil that has been hydrogenated. Hydrogenation is a process that adds hydrogen to liquid oils, making them more solid and stable. This process can be used to improve the texture and shelf life of fats.

Manufacturers add hydrogenated oils to improve the texture, stability, and shelf life of foods. They are often used in baked goods, shortenings, and processed foods to provide a desirable mouthfeel and prevent oil separation. You can find them in items like cookies, cakes, pastries, and fried snacks.

Hydrogenated oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The hydrogenation process can create trans fats, which have been linked to negative health effects. Due to these concerns, the FDA has taken steps to limit artificial trans fats in foods. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated fats and oils, including hydrogenated versions, as part of broader assessments.