Trans Fatty Acids in European Margarines

Abstract

Content of trans fatty acids in European and US margarines is discussed with particular reference to the comparatively high trans fatty acid content in US margarines (0.1-0.9 g/teaspoon) compared with some European brands. Tabulated data (presented for fatty acid composition of German, UK and US margarines) show that a low amount of trans fatty acids need not be accompanied by a rise in saturated fatty acids. It is stressed that although this has been achieved for some European margarines (e.g. German diet margarine), this is not the case in America. Furthermore the lack of information about trans fatty acids on food labels does not allow the US consumer to make an informed choice.