Here is the response I got from Benecol when I emailed them about the Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil in their product.

A small amount of partially hydrogenated oil is used in our BENECOL Spreads to maintain a semi-solid structure and to enhance their melting characteristics.

Partially hydrogenated oil contributes to the amount of trans fatty acid in food products. The amount of trans fat in BENECOL Light Spread Tub is 0.278 grams per one tablespoon serving. Levels of fat under 0.5 grams per serving may be labeled as zero grams since this is considered a dietarily insignificant amount. The amount of trans fat in BENECOL Regular Spread Tub is less than 1 gram per one tablespoon serving.

We hope that we have answered your questions; however, if you would like to learn more, you are welcome to contact us again through email or call a BENECOL Lifestyle Representative at 1-888-BENECOL (1-888-236-3265).

Tracey Ely
BENECOL Consumer Relationship Center

and here is my response

"Tracey,

Thank you for your response. However, I don't believe you've exactly addressed my concern. You've told me why you use the Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, but you've failed to tell me how you reconcile the fact that you market your product as potentially beneficial for improving Cholesterol levels, when in fact it contains an ingredient i.e. Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil that is known to raise LDL cholesterol levels via its contribution of trans fatty acids. Therefore, I still contend that while your product may lower overall Cholesterol due to other ingredients, it may well make the HDL:LDL ratio worse."