CVS removes artificial trans fats from all exclusive store brands food products

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy removed partially hydrogenated oils, the artificial trans fats in processed foods, from all excusive store brands food products. CVS is the first national retail pharmacy to make this move, according to the company.

CVS now offers more than 600 exclusive snack and grocery options that are free from artificial trans fats. Trans fats are purportedly linked to rising rates of heart disease in the United States.

“At CVS Pharmacy, we are dedicated to helping our customers lead healthier lives, and moved quickly to ensure all of our snack and grocery store brands are free from artificial trans fats,” said Judy Sansone, SVP front store business and chief merchant, CVS Health. “Our commitment to producing high-quality products reinforces that CVS Pharmacy is a leading health destination.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set a deadline of June 2018 for processed foods to be reformulated without artificial trans fats. CVS made the move effective the beginning of January, 18 months ahead of schedule”

“We applaud CVS Pharmacy for working proactively to remove artificial trans fats from its store brands well in advance of the federal deadline,” said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “The early removal of trans fats in all CVS Pharmacy store brands products will help to improve overall heart health and prevent heart disease for many Americans.

According to CVS, this move is part of a larger health initiative as part of becoming a premier health destination.