FDA allows under 0.5 grams of trans fats in a serving size to be counted as 0 grams

NPR - Trans Fat: When Zero Isn't Really Zero

and NPR - The Skinny On Trans Fats

The FDA allows just less than 0.5 grams of trans fats in a serving size to be counted as 0 grams. This 'loophole' has meant some companies have reformulated to have only 0.49 grams of trans fats per serving size, effectively appearing to be 0 grams. 'Partially Hydrogenated Oil' or 'vegetable shortening' is the ingredient that produces trans fats, so if it is in the ingredients, it is in the food. Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, and raise triglycerides; the article reports that researchers found that as little as 3.8% of dietary intake of trans fats can raise LDL-- for a 2,000 calorie diet that equates to about 8 grams of trans fats.