Cargill to Cease Hydrogenated Oil Production at Wichita Plant

Cargill said that the demand for hydrogenated oils has decreased significantly as a result of trans fat reduction in foods, therefore leaving the plant underutilized.

21/07/09 Cargill announced that it will cease hydrogenated oil production at its Wichita, Kan. facility in August 2009. Remaining hydrogenation production will be transitioned to other Cargill facilities.

“The demand for hydrogenated oils has decreased significantly as a result of trans fat reduction in foods, therefore leaving the plant underutilized,” said Mike Venker, president, Cargill Dressings, Sauces & Oils. “We made every effort to keep the production at the plant, but ultimately could not achieve acceptable production efficiencies.”

The plant will remain operational and continue to produce salad oils and various blends.

Many food companies have removed artery-clogging trans fats from their products in response to concern over rising rates of obesity in the United States.