The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday food manufacturers will have three years to remove artificial trans fats from processed foods, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Companies can reformulate their products so they do not include partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of artificial trans fats, or petition the FDA to continue using them. At the end of the defined three-year period, there cannot be any partially hydrogenated oils added to human food unless approved by the FDA.
The FDA previously made a tentative ruling 2013 regarding taking trans fat out of human food. Its most recent determination states that partially hydrogenated oils aren't safe for human consumption. The FDA said the move is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent heart attacks, according to the report.
The American Medical Association today released a statement commending the FDA's steps to remove trans fat from all food products.
"With ample scientific research linking the consumption of trans fat to dangerous health effects, including heart attack and stroke, the AMA believes that removing trans fat from our nation's food supply will help reduce the risk of preventable diseases and ultimately save lives," the AMA stated.