Wal-Mart Delicatessens Move to Trans Fatty Acid Free Oil

09/05/07 Wal-Mart Stores announced that its Supercenter and Neighborhood Market deli locations have all moved to trans fatty acid (TFA) free oil for on-site frying selections, providing consumers new choices to support their ever-changing lifestyles. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), scientific evidence shows consumption of saturated fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol raises low-density lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol" levels, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease -- one of the leading causes of death in the United States. With more than 180 million customers shopping Wal-Mart stores annually, this change can make a major impact on the health of American consumers.

"Small changes can have a big effect for many people," said Peter Redmond, Wal-Mart vice president of the deli division. "Our customers will be able to enjoy the same great tasting deli selections but have the additional benefit of knowing that those items prepared in our deli are done so in trans fatty acid free oil."

The rollout to change all Wal-Mart deli locations to trans fatty acid free oil began in January 2007 and was completed within the following weeks.

Wal-Mart deli locations prepare a variety of fried selections on-site -- which may vary from store-to-store -- including chicken, potato wedges, corndogs, country steak, apple pie, cheese curds, breaded okra, catfish and hushpuppies. Chicken selections include wings, tenders, popcorn chicken and combinations of breasts/thighs/wings. All of these fried selections are now prepared in trans fatty acid free oil. A sign informing customers of this change is displayed in the lower right window of Wal-Mart deli locations across the country.