Can foods labeled as zero grams of trans fats still contain trans fats?

Q: I heard that foods with zero grams of trans fats on the nutritional label can actually still contain trace amounts of these fats?  Why is this and how do I avoid these fats then?

A: You heard correctly.  Manufacturers are allowed by the FDA to label foods containing less than 0.5 grams of trans fats as 0 grams.  While this may seem like a trace amount, it can add up fairly quickly.  Limit the amount of trans fats you consume by passing on items with “partially hydrogenated”, “shortening” or “interesterified” in the ingredients list.