How are trans fatty acids formed?
Some trans fatty acids occur naturally and are found in certain meats and dairy products. However, the vast majority of trans fatty acids are produced industrially by a process called hydrogenation. This is a process used to increase the stability of certain liquid vegetable oils, allowing them to be used in a broader range of products. When a liquid vegetable oil is hydrogenated all unsaturated fatty acids are converted to saturated fatty acids. During partial hydrogenation, in addition to saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids are also formed. A product contains trans fatty acids if the words “partially hydrogenated oil” appears on the food label. By law, trans fatty acids content in food products will have to be listed on the Nutrition label starting in 2006.
