Are Chinese edible oils safe? A survey of trans fatty acid contents in Chinese edible oils

Nine different edible oil types from 7 cities in China were analyzed. Trans fatty acid (TFA) contents in edible oils were determined, TFA distribution characteristics were analyzed, and a risk assessment was performed. Total TFA contents varied from 0.075±0.011 to 2.243±0.770 g/100 g of oil, with a mean content of 0.66 g/100 g of oil. TFA contents differed among different oil types and among different cities. Generally speaking, oil samples from northern areas of China contained more TFA, and lard usually had higher levels of TFA than other oils. An exposure assessment showed that the estimated daily intake of TFA from Chinese edible oils was low, and a risk assessment indicated that there was a low risk for TFA consumption in Chinese edible oils.