Partially Hydrogenated Oils is permitted with proper declaration in Australia & New Zealand: declare as "partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list.
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are industrially hardened liquid oils and were the main dietary source of artificial trans fats in margarines, shortenings, and fried foods. In Australia & New Zealand, Partially Hydrogenated Oils is regulated under Food Standards Code as a food fat. FSANZ has not banned PHOs but does require trans fat labeling when claims are made about fat. Mandatory trans fat declaration is not yet required in Australia but FSANZ is reviewing.
LabelGuard scans your label for Partially Hydrogenated Oils and all its common names (PHO, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Shortening) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Australia rules.
Start Your Compliance CheckPartially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are industrially hardened liquid oils and were the main dietary source of artificial trans fats in margarines, shortenings, and fried foods. It commonly appears in: Pre-2018 fried foods, Some baked goods, Non-dairy creamers, Some margarine, Commercial frying oils.
Artificial trans fats raise LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, with no known safe intake. The FDA revoked GRAS status in 2015 and PHOs have been out of the US food supply since compliance dates in 2018–2020; the EU caps industrial trans fat at 2 g per 100 g of fat (2021), and the WHO has called for global elimination.
Declare as "partially hydrogenated [source] oil" in the ingredient list. FSANZ has not banned PHOs but does require trans fat labeling when claims are made about fat. Mandatory trans fat declaration is not yet required in Australia but FSANZ is reviewing.
Partially Hydrogenated Oils may appear under the following names: PHO, Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Shortening, Hardened vegetable oil. Common hidden sources include: Pre-2018 fried foods, Some baked goods, Non-dairy creamers, Some margarine, Commercial frying oils.
Banned in: US. Restricted with maximum levels in: EU, UK, Canada.
Last updated: 2026-07-20
Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.
Get your label checked against all Australia regulations in seconds.
Starting at $29 per label check
Explore all Australia labeling requirements in one place.
View Australia HubLabelGuard checks your labels against all Food Standards Code requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.
Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide