A fresh report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that around 5 billion individuals worldwide are still not shielded from the detrimental effects of trans-fats. This exposes them to a higher risk of heart disease and death. In 2018, the WHO initiated a call for the complete eradication of industrially produced trans fats worldwide, targeting elimination by 2023.
Major Highlights from the WHO Report
As per WHO, consumption of trans fats can be attributed to as many as half a million premature deaths caused by heart disease annually. These harmful substances can be found in an array of products, including packaged foods, baked goods, cooking oils and spreads. As of now, 2.8 billion people globally are protected through best-practice policies against trans-fat in food. These policies have been implemented by 43 countries. It’s notable that many American and European countries have phased out trans fats by banning partially hydrogenated oils. Still, no low-income country has adopted such measures yet.
About Trans Fats and their Impact
Trans fats, also known as trans-fatty acids, are unsaturated fatty acids derived from either natural or industrial sources. Naturally occurring trans fats originate from ruminants like cows and sheep. Industrially-produced trans fat is a result of an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, converting it into a solid, forming “partially hydrogenated” oil (PHO). Trans fats can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood and reduce good cholesterol (HDL) levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. They can also contribute to the development of other health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Challenges in Eliminating Trans Fat
Trans fats are widely used by food manufacturers as they are cheap and help extend food products’ shelf-life. Small and medium-sized food manufacturers may lack the resources or technical expertise to reformulate their products without trans fats. These harmful substances are often used in restaurant settings, which can be harder to regulate than retail food products. Changing consumer habits and taste preferences can also pose challenges, as people have become accustomed to the taste of foods that contain trans fats.
Initiatives to Eliminate Trans Fat
India’s Eat Right Movement, launched in 2018, aims to educate citizens about food safety, combating food adulteration and promoting healthy diets. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced that all food items should contain less than 2% of trans fat from January 2022.
Globally, the WHO released REPLACE, a step-by-step guide for eliminating industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from global food supplies. REPLACE provides six strategic actions to ensure the proactive, complete and sustainable eradication of industrially-produced trans fats from food supply chains: review dietary sources of trans fats, promote replacement of trans fats with healthier alternatives, legislate and regulate to eliminate trans fats, assess and monitor changes in trans fat consumption, raise public awareness about the harmful impacts of trans fats and enforce compliance of policies and regulations.
Way Forward
Education and awareness about the dangers of trans fats and the importance of reducing their consumption can encourage change. Governments can establish monitoring and enforcement systems to ensure compliance with regulations and labelling requirements. Furthermore, investing in research and development of new technologies and ingredients can aid in replacing trans fats in food products.
With focused efforts in these areas, it is possible to significantly reduce the health risks associated with trans fats, thus moving towards a healthier global population.
