Food manufacturers’ compliance with the FDA's trans fat ban: Evidence from scanner data

Abstract

We use barcode-level data in the US between 2012 and 2020 to document the evolution of trans fat content in manufactured food products before and after the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 2015 determination that trans fats are not safe for human consumption (effectively a “trans fat ban”). First, we document how the number of products containing trans fat has declined over time. Second, using detailed information on household food purchases in retail stores, we quantify the corresponding reduction in total trans fat purchases. We find that although the number of trans fat products on the market has declined over time, products with a positive trans fat content continued to exist beyond the FDA's deadline for trans fat removal. We find a larger presence of trans fat products in small-scale retailers (Dollar and Convenience stores) than in larger outlets (mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs). Similarly, trans fat products are relatively more prevalent in private label products and in products with a local presence. While trans fat purchases have declined over time, lower income households purchase product baskets with significantly larger amounts of trans fat. The findings can be used to guide more effective and efficient enforcement efforts.