LOW TRANS STEREOISOMER SHORTENING

• US Patent No. 7,718,211 (May 18, 2010), N. Higgins, assigned to Bunge Oils, Inc., Bradley, IL.

Shortening is prepared with edible oils hydrogenated in a manner to minimize formation of trans-stereoisomers (trans fats). A conditioned catalyst is used that disfavors trans-stereoisomer formation without negatively impacting the length of time required to form solids for a useful shortening base stock. Preferred conditioning agents are organic acid phosphates and phosphoric acid.