Oreo ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Oreo

Oreo is the world's best-selling cookie. US Oreos historically contained partially hydrogenated oils — a major source of industrial trans fats — until the FDA's 2015 revocation of PHO GRAS status forced removal by June 2018. Current US Oreos contain TBHQ as a preservative, which is restricted in the EU. European Oreos do not list TBHQ. Despite being the same brand, significant formula differences persist.

Common concerns with Oreo products

{"ingredient_slug":"partially-hydrogenated-oils","ingredient_name":"Partially Hydrogenated Oils","found_in_product":"Oreo (US — historic, removed by 2018)","concern":"Trans fats increase LDL cholesterol, lower HDL, and raise cardiovascular disease risk. FDA revoked GRAS status in 2015; required removal by June 18, 2018."}; {"ingredient_slug":"tbhq","ingredient_name":"TBHQ","found_in_product":"Oreo Cookies (US — some varieties)","concern":"EU restricts TBHQ to 100mg/kg in oils/fats; NTP found tumor-promoting effects at high doses. Not listed in EU Oreo ingredients."}