Regulatory history for stearic acid.

Before 1974 the only regulations involving stearic acid were for its use as a food additive. In 1974 the regulation for fat, fatty acid, and cholesterol contents was finalized; this regulation defined saturated fatty acid as the sum of lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Because the labeling of saturated fatty acid was voluntary except when a claim was made for fat content, the inclusion of stearic acid in that definition had little impact on foods high in fatty acids. Under the requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990, the definition of a saturated fatty acid gained major significance, with ties to mandatory nutrition labeling, nutrient content claims, and health claims. It was requested that stearic acid be dropped from the definition of a saturated fatty acid because it did not raise blood cholesterol concentrations. Scientific data demonstrating the lack of involvement of stearic acid consumption in negative health effects are needed.