The Change Mariner

FDA Mandates Transfat Levels

Discovery Health Channel

Food manufacturers will soon be forced by law to show the levels of trans-fatty acids in their products, with the FDA announcing a bid to bring the unhealthy fats to consumers' attention

"By putting trans-fat information on food labels, we are making it possible for consumers to make the right choice to lower their intake of these unhealthy fats," US Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said in a statement.

The measure will be made obligatory from January 2006, Thompson said, but manufacturers are expected to start bringing in changes to their products well before that date.