Elimination Of Trans Fats, WHO Update on Global Trans Fat Ban Progress

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognised four countries — Austria, Norway, Oman and Singapore — for eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their national food supplies at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

About Trans Fat

• Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated fatty acids.
• Sources:
  • Natural: Meat and dairy foods from ruminant animals such as sheep, goat, cows.
  • Industrial: Margarine, baked goods, vanaspati ghee, fried foods. 
    • Both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fat are equally harmful.
• World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation for Adults: To limit consumption of trans fat to less than 1% of total energy intake, which is less than 2.2 g per day for a 2000-calorie diet.

Health Impact Of Trans Fat

• Increased Heart Disease Risk: Trans fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, significantly increasing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
  • Over 278,000 deaths annually globally and is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases
• Inflammation: They trigger inflammation and may worsen insulin resistance, contributing to conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
• Obesity: Trans fats can lead to unhealthy fat distribution and abdominal obesity, even without excess calorie intake.
• Brain Health: Studies link high trans fat consumption with poorer memory, cognitive decline, and increased risk of depression.

Reasons For the Increased Use of Trans Fat

• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than healthier fats
• Desirable Properties: Solid at room temperature, making them ideal for processed foods
• Versatile Usage: Commonly used in baked, fried, and packaged products

Steps Taken by India to Eliminate Trans Fat

• Regulatory Limit on Trans Fat: Since January 2022, India enforces a mandatory limit of 2% industrially produced trans fats in oils and fats.
  • Implemented under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Second Amendment Regulations, 2021.
  • It became the second country in Asia, after Thailand, to implement comprehensive measures to restrict industrial trans fats.
• “Heart Attack Rewind” Campaign: It is a campaign of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that warns about the health hazards of consuming trans-fat.