Fred Kummerow, Pioneer In Research Of Trans Fats, Dies At Age 102
Fred Kummerow, a professor of comparative biosciences at the University of Illinois, continued his research for more than seven decades. Kummerow died May 31 at his home in Urbana. L. Brian Stauffer/University of Illinois
Longtime University of Illinois professor and researcher Fred Kummerow has died at his home in Urbana at the age of 102.
Kummerow was a pioneer in the research of trans fats, and his work eventually led to a federal ban of trans-fatty acids in processed foods, which goes into effect next year. He filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration in 2013, which led to the FDA announcing the ban of hydrogenated oils two years later.
Kummerow’s research showing the danger of trans fats was first published in 1957, and ran counter to the prevailing view that saturated fats like those found in butter were the main culprits in clogging arteries, leading to heart attacks.
He came to the University of Illinois in 1950 to do lipid research, and stayed there for the rest of his career.
Kummerow had begun working on his memoirs chronicling his 70 years in research.
Kummerow is survived by his three children, Max, Jean and Kay Kummerow; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Loban, Robert Loban and Patrick Watson; and one great-grandson, Asher Watson. The family is planning a memorial service for late summer.