Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kern And Palm Oils

These oils are made from palm kernel and palm oils that have undergone a process called hydrogenation. This process adds hydrogen to the oils, making them more solid at room temperature and increasing their shelf life. Palm kernel oil comes from the seed of the oil palm tree.

Partially hydrogenated oils are used to improve the texture and stability of processed foods. They can act as a fat source, provide a creamy texture, and help prevent ingredients from separating. They are often found in baked goods, snack foods, and margarines.

Partially hydrogenated oils were a major source of artificial trans fat in the US diet. In 2018, the FDA determined that partially hydrogenated oils are no longer Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), effectively removing most artificial trans fat from processed foods. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have evaluated trans fats, and current dietary guidelines recommend limiting their intake due to health concerns.