Partially Hydrogenated Oil
The main source of industrial trans fat. FSSAI has limited trans fat in oils and fats to 2% since 2022.
Partially hydrogenated oil (PHO) is vegetable oil that has been only partly hardened, which creates trans fats.
What the research says
Industrial trans fat raises LDL cholesterol, lowers HDL cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. The WHO has called for it to be eliminated from the food supply, and since January 2022 FSSAI has limited trans fat to 2% of total fat in oils and fats.
CleanPlate verdict
This is one of the red-flag ingredients in our method. It cuts a product's whole ingredient score.
Related additives
Full index →TBHQ
A synthetic antioxidant that stops oils from going rancid. Permitted within limits, but common in heavily processed, oil-rich foods.
In 32 rated products →BHA
A synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole) that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
In 6 rated products →Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil hardened by hydrogenation. Labels rarely say whether it is partially hydrogenated (trans fat) or fully hydrogenated (saturated fat).
In 4 rated products →