Step 1 – Look at the package label or ingredients list to see if "partially hydrogenated," "shortening," or "margarine" are listed. If none of these terms appear, you may use the product.

If any of these terms are listed, go to Step 2 to see if the product contains too much trans fat.

Step 2 – Check the Nutrition Facts panel for trans fat content. If the panel says the product has 0 grams of trans fat, or less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, you may use the product.

If the Nutrition Facts panel says the product has 0.5 grams or more trans fat, you may not use the product.

If there is no Nutrition Facts panel on the product, go to Step 3.

Step 3 – If there is no Nutrition Facts panel, ask your supplier to provide a letter from the manufacturer listing the product's ingredients. If the ingredients list contains the words "partially hydrogenated,""shortening," or "margarine," the letter must also include information on the amount of trans fat in each serving.

As in Step 2, if the product has 0 grams of trans fat, or less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, you may use it.

The letter should be on the manufacturer’s letterhead and show the manufacturer’s name and address. Keep the letter at your food service establishment, available for review by a Health Department inspector.

Visit the www.FDA.org for more information on product labels.