FAQs

When foods used for frying contain healthy oils, when frying is done in healthy oils and when fried foods are incorporated into a balanced, calorie controlled diet. Healthier fried foods start with frying foods low in saturated fat that contain no trans fat, choosing the fryer that is right for the types of foods you are frying and following best frying practices (maintaining a clean fryer, using healthy frying oils, and frying at the correct temperature).

Know the ingredients used in manufacturing the products you buy. Read labels and ask suppliers for products without hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats. When you know how the products you use are made, it will be easier for you to talk to customers about their trans fat content.

Operators are using a variety of ways to communicate healthy changes to their customers, such as window signage, table tents, menu notations, and websites.

Healthier fried foods start with frying foods low in saturated fat that contain no trans fat, choosing the fryer that is right for the types of foods you cook, and following best frying practices (maintaining a clean fryer, using healthy frying oils, and frying at the correct temperature).

Check for news bulletins posted on the web site of your city, your local restaurant association, or the National Restaurant Association.

Oil manufacturers have figured any increased cost could be off-set by adopting frying best practices and a routine program of oil station management, resulting in longer oil life, decreased oil usage, and reduced labor costs associated with frequent oil changes. Plus energy saving fryers reduce utility costs further off-setting the higher cost of trans fat-free oils.

The removal of fryers from schools and hospitals is not an answer to growing concerns about obesity. When foods used for frying contain healthy oils, when frying is done in healthy oils and when fried foods are incorporated into a balanced, calorie controlled diet they not only provide the taste experience people expect, they also contribute to satiety. There are steps you can take to make sure the fried foods you prepare are flavorful and healthful. Healthier fried foods start with frying foods low in saturated fat that contain no trans fat, choosing the fryer that is right for the types of foods you cook, and following best frying practices (maintaining a clean fryer, using healthy frying oils, and frying at the correct temperature).

Hydrogenated oils have undergone a process to make them more stable. Hydrogen is added to convert unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids.  If oil is fully hydrogenated, it would turn into a solid fat.  Oftentimes, oils are referred to as partially hydrogenated, because not all of the bonds become saturated, but oils with high stability are produced.  When oils are partially hydrogenated, however, trans fat is produced.  Trans fat has been shown to impact the risk for heart disease, even at low levels.

A body of evidence has shown that trans fat can increase bad LDL cholesterol, reduce good HDL cholesterol and increase body inflammation, which is now considered the common denominator in all chronic disease.  It also may negatively affect other mechanistic pathways, which contribute to an increased risk of chronic disease, especially heart disease.

The term linolenic acid encompasses both alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). ALA is an essential short chain omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in vegetable oils.  GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid also found in many vegetable oils. Research is emerging as to how each one may benefit health.

Artificial trans fat is industrially produced during the process of hydrogenation, when unsaturated liquid oils are processed to become more stable.  Evidence shows that they increase the risk of chronic disease. Naturally occurring trans fat is found in small amounts in meat and dairy products. Research is equivocal as to whether effects on health are positive or negative, but they appear different from artificial trans fat.

Looking on the ingredient list for the words “partially hydrogenated” can indicate that the product has trans fat.  In addition, the Nutrition Facts panel lists trans fat if levels are above 0.5g per serving.

No. Many fats are healthy, such as unsaturated fats like mono- and polyunsaturated fat.  In fact, health groups around the world recommend that we include them in our diets.  Evidence shows that healthy fats like mono- and polyunsaturated fat can improve cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.

No recommendation is the same for one person.  Recommended daily calorie intake for each individual is based on factors such as height, weight, age, sex, and activity level.

Visit our Glossary of Terms page for a detailed list with definitions.