WHO Recognises 4 Nations for Trans Fat Elimination
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DTE
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognised Austria, Norway, Oman, and Singapore for eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their national food supply.
About WHO Recognises 4 Nations for Trans Fat Elimination:
• What is Trans Fat?
• Definition: Trans fats (trans-fatty acids) are unsaturated fats that undergo hydrogenation, turning liquid oils into solid fats. Types: Naturally occurring: Found in red meat and dairy (in small amounts). Industrially produced: Found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) used in processed foods.
• Definition: Trans fats (trans-fatty acids) are unsaturated fats that undergo hydrogenation, turning liquid oils into solid fats.
• Types: Naturally occurring: Found in red meat and dairy (in small amounts). Industrially produced: Found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) used in processed foods.
• Naturally occurring: Found in red meat and dairy (in small amounts).
• Industrially produced: Found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) used in processed foods.
• Sources of Trans Fat:
• Fried & processed foods: Biscuits, cakes, margarine, vanaspati ghee Baked goods: Pies, pastries, refrigerated dough Cooking fats: Shortening, stick margarine
• Fried & processed foods: Biscuits, cakes, margarine, vanaspati ghee
• Baked goods: Pies, pastries, refrigerated dough
• Cooking fats: Shortening, stick margarine
• Health Hazards of Trans Fats: Raises Bad Cholesterol (LDL): Trans fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which leads to cholesterol buildup in arteries. Lowers Good Cholesterol (HDL): They simultaneously reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which normally helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Triggers Arterial Blockage: The imbalance between LDL and HDL causes plaque formation in arteries, narrowing them and leading to stroke or coronary heart disease. Increases Obesity and Diabetes Risk: Being energy-dense (9 kcal/g), trans fats promote weight gain, and prolonged consumption can impair insulin sensitivity, triggering type 2 diabetes. Massive Global Health Impact: WHO (2024) estimates 278,000 annual deaths from trans-fat consumption, accounting for nearly 7% of cardiovascular-related mortalities worldwide.
• Raises Bad Cholesterol (LDL): Trans fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which leads to cholesterol buildup in arteries.
• Lowers Good Cholesterol (HDL): They simultaneously reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which normally helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Triggers Arterial Blockage: The imbalance between LDL and HDL causes plaque formation in arteries, narrowing them and leading to stroke or coronary heart disease.
• Increases Obesity and Diabetes Risk: Being energy-dense (9 kcal/g), trans fats promote weight gain, and prolonged consumption can impair insulin sensitivity, triggering type 2 diabetes.
• Massive Global Health Impact: WHO (2024) estimates 278,000 annual deaths from trans-fat consumption, accounting for nearly 7% of cardiovascular-related mortalities worldwide.
• Target: Global Policy (WHO): Launched in 2018, WHO aims to eliminate industrial trans fats by 2025, targeting 90% global and 70% regional population coverage. India’s Policy: Since January 2022, India enforces a <2% trans-fat limit in oils/fats under FSSAI’s 2021 Regulations, aligning with WHO best practices.
• Global Policy (WHO): Launched in 2018, WHO aims to eliminate industrial trans fats by 2025, targeting 90% global and 70% regional population coverage.
• India’s Policy: Since January 2022, India enforces a <2% trans-fat limit in oils/fats under FSSAI’s 2021 Regulations, aligning with WHO best practices.