FDA Bans Artificial Trans Fats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it will require food companies to stop using virtually all artificial sources of trans fats. According to scientists, there are no health benefits to partially hydrogenated oils, which are used to add shelf life and texture to foods. In fact, consumption of partially hydrogenated oils is linked to heart disease. Consumption of artificial trans fats is already down 78 percent since 2003, and companies will have three years to phase out the rest. Afterward, any company wanting to use it will have to ask for permission.