Look at the Label

In July 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that by 2006 the "Nutrition Facts" label printed on every food package will add trans fats, or trans-fatty acids, which, like saturated fats, increase the risk of heart disease. Current FDA guidelines recommend a maximum of 20 grams of saturated fat a day—10 percent or less of total calories—for those on a 2,000-calorie diet. "The recommendation for trans fat is as close to zero grams as you can get," says Marion Nestle, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at New York University and author of Safe Food (University of California, 2003).

So, until 2006, how can consumers find trans fats on food labels? "Readers should look for the words 'hydrogenated' or 'partially hydrogenated'" on the ingredients list, Nestle says, referring to the process that thickens vegetable oil. Also, if there are more total fats than saturated fats listed, some trans fats may lurk in the difference.

Unfortunately, while giving the number of grams of trans fats, the new label will not reveal a percentage of the daily recommended amount. Saturated plus trans fats should be limited to 20 grams or less, Nestle advises. Label readers should also be alert to serving size: Calories listed, as for the macaroni and cheese, at left, are commonly for just one serving, while the container or soft-drink bottle often contains two or more. Before you eat, double check: A serving may be as little as one cookie or half a muffin.