ConAgra Foods, Inc. has discontinued the use of partially hydrogenated oils (phos) in the manufacturing of all spreads in its portfolio, including Fleischmann’s, Blue Bonnet and Parkay.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the June 17, 2015, issue of the Federal Register said there is no longer a consensus among qualified experts that phos, which are the primary dietary source of industrially produced trans fatty acids, are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for any use in human food. Companies have until June 18, 2018, to take phos out of their food products.

“Our goal is to continue to provide our consumers with great tasting food made with high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices,” says Colleen Bailey, brand director, ConAgra. “We are pleased to have removed pho from our spreads well in advance of the F.D.A.’s timeline.”

She said the alternative oil selected depends on the particular spread.

“In one example, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (soybean and cottonseed) will be removed and replaced with high-oleic canola oil,” says Bailey.