CVS removes all trans fats from store brand foods

CVS Pharmacy announced it has removed artificial trans fats from all of its store brand food products.

The national retail pharmacy chain, which has several locations in the area, has moved partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) from its more than 600 snack and grocery options. PHO is the primary source of artificial trans fats in foods. The company’s decision comes a year and a half ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s deadline of June 2018 for processed foods to be reformulated without artificial trans fats.

“We applaud CVS Pharmacy for working proactively to remove artificial trans fats from its store brands products well in advance of the federal deadline,” said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “The early removal of trans fats in all CVS Pharmacy store brands products will help to improve overall heart health and prevent heart disease for many Americans.”

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Eliminating artificial trans fats matters because it can reduce coronary heart disease and help prevent heart attacks. The chain is rolling out a brand of 2,500 health and wellness products focused on effective and affordable care, and is also moving healthy foods toward the front of stores.

CVS has more than 9,700 locations across the U.S., including stores in Dayton, Springfield, West Chester and Hamilton.

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