The Kerala Health Department and the Food Safety wing, in a bid to enforce healthier dietary habits, have introduced an initiative to cut down on the levels of trans fatty acids (TFAs), salt, and sugar in commercially available foods. With technical backing from renowned international organizations such as the World Bank, WHO, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the program aims to tackle the rising cases of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Keralites.
Metabolic Syndrome and Its Effects
Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, abdominal obesity, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. When these conditions coexist, it heightens the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The unhealthy diet of the Keralites has been identified as a significant contributor to this health crisis.
The Role of Trans-fats
Trans-fats are categorised into two types—naturally occurring and artificial. Naturally occurring trans-fats are produced in the gut of some animals, and as such, food products derived from these animals may contain small quantities of these fats. Artificial trans-fats, however, are generated via an industrial process called hydrogenation, which solidifies liquid vegetable oils at room temperature. These types of fats are common ingredients in processed foods due to their affordability, prolonged shelf life, and their ability to enhance taste and texture.
Steps Toward A Healthier Future
Replacing trans-fats is an essential part of promoting healthier eating habits. REPLACE, an acronym for Review, Promote, Legislate, Assess, Create and Enforce, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the first global strategy designed to eliminate a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Denmark set a precedent by becoming the first country to ban trans fat in 2003 and experienced a sharp decline in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) mortality rates within three years.
| Country | Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Ban on trans fat in 2003 | Sharp decline in CVD mortality rates within three years |
India’s Commitment to Eliminating Trans-fats
In light of the worrying rise in non-communicable diseases and the increasing shift towards healthier foods, the movement to eliminate industrially produced trans fats is a crucial one for India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has shown commitment to this cause by setting in motion plans to eliminate industrially produced transfat by 2022, ahead of the WHO’s target date of 2023. In 2017, the Indian government mandated a 5% cap on trans fat content in fats/oils.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which amalgamates various acts & orders previously handled by different Ministries and Departments. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is responsible for implementing FSSAI. The organization’s primary role is to establish science-backed standards for food items and regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
