Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling - Comment

BEFORE THEDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESFOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATIONIn the Matter of Food Labeling:Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling; Consumer Research to Consider Nutrient Contentand Health Claims and Possible Footnoteor Disclosure StatementsDocket No. 03N-0076Comments of the Staff ofthe Bureau of Economics, the Bureau of Consumer Protection,and the Office of Policy Planningof the Federal Trade CommissionOctober 9, 2003*________________________________________* These comments represent the views of the staff of the Bureau of Economics, theBureau of Consumer Protection, and the Office of Policy Planning of the Federal TradeCommission. They are not necessarily the views of the Federal Trade Commission orany individual Commissioner. The Commission has, however, voted to authorize thestaff to submit these comments.I. INTRODUCTIONConsumption of trans fatty acids (or “trans fats”) increases serum cholesterol levels,thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. To provide consumers with moreinformation about the amount of trans fats in foods, on July 11, 2003, the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) issued a final rule mandating that trans fats be listed as a separate line1item on the Nutrition Facts panel (Trans Fat Final Rule or Final Rule). On that same date,the FDA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking consumer researchregarding a proposed footnote to accompany the listing of trans fats on the ...