Global Trans-fat Elimination
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Science and Technology: Health
Source: WHO
Context: WHO has published its fifth milestone report on global trans-fat elimination, covering 2018-2023.
What are trans fatty acids?
TFA stands for trans fatty acids, commonly known as trans fats. These are a type of unsaturated fat that can be found in small amounts in nature but are primarily produced industrially. Industrial trans fats are created through a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. These fats are commonly used in processed foods, such as baked goods, snacks, and margarine, to improve texture, shelf life, and flavour stability.
WHO’s recommendation for adults is to limit consumption of trans fat to less than 1% of total energy intake.
Key Highlights of the Report:
• By late 2023, WHO’s best-practice trans-fat elimination policies were implemented in 53 nations, covering around 46% of the global population.
• In India, approximately 4.63% of coronary heart disease deaths are attributed to TFA intake.
Harmful Effects of Trans Fats:
Harmful Effects of Trans Fats | Description
Heart Disease | Raises total cholesterol and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Obesity | Contributes to weight gain and obesity due to its adverse effects on metabolism.
Type 2 Diabetes | Increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome | This leads to conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Infertility | May negatively affect reproductive health and fertility.
Cancer | Associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancers.
Compromised Fetal Development | Can harm fetal development, leading to potential complications for the unborn baby.
Insulin Resistance | Impairs the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, contributing to metabolic disorders.
Other Issues: Trans fats can harm brain function and the immune system, lack nutritional value, strain healthcare systems due to associated health costs, and contribute significantly to obesity.
Challenges in Controlling TFA Usage:
• Lack of Awareness: The public and industry lack knowledge about TFA harms.
• Regulatory Gaps: Incomplete or inconsistent regulations across regions.
• Industry Resistance: Pushback from food manufacturers due to cost and convenience.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: Difficulty in ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Global Trade Dynamics: Variability in international trade policies affects consistency.
• Cost of Reformulation: High expenses involved in changing product recipes.
• Consumer Preferences: Preference for taste and texture of TFA-containing foods.
• Inconsistent Policies: Varied policies across countries complicate control efforts.
Initiatives to tackle Trans-Fats:
National Initiatives | Description
FSSAI “Trans Fat-Free” logo | Voluntary labelling promoting TFA-free products with TFA not exceeding 0.2g per 100g/ml.
“Heart Attack Rewind” campaign | Mass media effort to eliminate industrial trans fats, part of the broader “Eat Right” campaign initiated in 2018.
Pledge by edible oil industries | Commitment to reduce salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans-fat content by 2%
Swasth Bharat Yatra | Pan-India cyclothon under the “Eat Right” campaign to engage citizens on food safety and healthy diets.
Regulation of trans fats | FSSAI regulations to cap TFA in oils and fats to 2% by 2022, down from 5% previously allowed.
Eat Right Movement | Initiative to transform India’s food system for safe, healthy, and sustainable food under “Eat Right India”.
Green Purple initiative | Program promoting trans-fat-free cooking and food safety among chefs and food establishments.
Global Initiatives
WHO “REPLACE” campaign | The global campaign to eliminate trans fats from industrially produced edible oils by 2023.
WHO Validation Programme for Trans Fat Elimination | Recognizes and supports countries in eliminating TFA, driving policy progress globally.
Key Recommendations of WHO report:
• A mandatory national limit of two grams of industrially produced trans-fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods
• Sub-regional bodies should pass mandatory TFA elimination policies binding on member states to facilitate trade and policy implementation.
• Food manufacturers should voluntarily eliminate industrially produced TFA across their product lines, beyond complying with national policies.
More measures to eliminate trans fats in food:
• Implement regulations: Set limits on trans fats in food or ban partially hydrogenated oils.
• Increase public awareness: Educate about health risks and how to avoid trans fats.
• Develop alternatives: Research substitutes without health risks.
• Encourage reformulation: Prompt food makers to reduce or remove trans fats.
• Promote healthy eating: Advocate balanced diets low in trans fats.
• Taxation: Consider taxing trans-fat products.
• Incentives: Reward low-trans fat food production.
Insta Links:
• 5 billion people globally are exposed to toxic trans-fat linked to heart disease
Prelims Link:
Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity? (UPSC 2011)
a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency.
b) They prevent excessive oxidation of Carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.
c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism.
d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process
Answer: C