The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has outlined new guidelines to food safety commissioners and food business operators with an aim to reduce the presence of trans fats in food. Specifically, the FSSAI is encouraging industry-wide efforts to reduce the amount of industrially-produced trans fats in Indian food supply chains. Businesses that comply with these standards can display a Trans Fat Free logo on their products and premises.
FSSAI’s New Trans Fat Guidelines
The FSSAI’s communication clarifies that the new legislation extends to all food-related businesses and products which use fats and oils. Eligible businesses for the Trans Fat Free logo include those which operate using trans-fat free fats or oils and those where industrial trans-fats do not exceed 0.2 grams per 100 grams of the food product.
Since 2018, FSSAI has been actively pushing for the reduction of trans-fat content in edibles including Vanaspati, margarine, and bakery shortenings as part of a phased plan. The end goal is a complete elimination of industrially-produced trans fats from the food supply chain by 2023, a target set by the World Health Organisation.
FSSAI’s Upcoming Regulation Plans
The latest guidelines follow the FSSAI’s successful limitation of trans fat content in fats and oils to 5%. However, the authority does not intend to stop here. It plans to further cut down the trans fat content to 3% by 2021 and 2% by 2022.
With the WHO’s call for complete elimination of industrially-produced trans fats by 2023 looming, the FSSAI is making strides with its plans. The extension of regulations to food products having fats and oils is a clear sign of the FSSAI’s commitment to this goal.
| Year | Trans fat content goal |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2% |
| 2023 | Elimination of industrially-produced trans fats |
Impact of FSSAI’s Guidelines
The new guidelines set by FSSAI are a significant move towards healthier food practices in India. By adhering to the newly set standards, businesses can not only ensure their products are healthier and safer for consumers but also gain the privilege to display the Trans Fat Free logo. This is likely to inspire trust among consumers and build a positive brand image for businesses in the food industry. With these efforts, FSSAI is clearly leading the charge towards a trans-fat free future in the Indian food supply chain.