It's been a long and winding road since 2015, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started to seriously consider the health risks associated with trans fats.

But the American people will get a big present this December with the issuing of a direct rule that says Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs), which contain trans fats, are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

Finally, they're being completely banned in processed and canned foods.

Not only will they not be allowed in canned tuna and peanut butters, but they’re no longer allowed to be used in margarine, shortening, bread, rolls, or buns, because, the FDA says, "these uses of PHOs may be injurious to health."

Certain oils, such as grapeseed, also may no longer be produced as PHOs.

The Harvard School of Public Health researchers have estimated that trans fats were causing about 50,000 premature heart attack deaths annually. And way back in 2004, an FDA committee said on a gram-for-gram basis, trans fat is even more harmful than saturated fat.

So what health risks is the FDA finally making sure are eliminated from our food supply?

Trans fat-triggered elevation of bad LDL cholesterol and reduction of good HDL cholesterol, and clogged arteries and blood vessels leading to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Until the ban goes into effect, make sure to take a look at the ingredients labels on foods you have on the shelf at home, and those you pick up at the grocery store. Don't eat any foods with added PHOs.