WHO Honors Five Countries for Pioneering Efforts in Eliminating Industrially Produced Trans Fat
In a groundbreaking move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently bestowed its first-ever certification upon five countries for their exemplary strides in eliminating industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA). Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand have emerged as global leaders in adopting and implementing best practices for iTFA elimination, supported by robust monitoring and enforcement systems.
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| WHO honors five countries for the first time for eliminating industrially produced trans fat |
Recognition of Progress and Challenges
WHO's certification comes as a recognition of the considerable progress made globally in the ambitious endeavor to eradicate iTFA. While the initial target set by WHO in 2018 to eliminate iTFA from the global food supply by the end of 2023 was not entirely met, significant advancements have been witnessed across all regions.
In 2023 alone, seven countries, including Egypt, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, North Macedonia, the Philippines, and Ukraine, implemented new best-practice policies. These policies aim to create a healthier food environment for a substantial portion of the world's population, amounting to 3.7 billion people or 46% of the global populace, a remarkable increase from 6% just five years ago.
Impact on Global Health
The implementation of best practice policies in 53 countries has significantly improved the food environment, promising to save approximately 183,000 lives annually. These policies focus on two key options: enforcing a mandatory national limit of 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat in all foods or imposing restrictions on the production or use of partially hydrogenated oil—a major source of trans fat.
Trans-Fatty Acids (TFA), found in industrially produced and naturally occurring forms, pose a considerable risk to cardiovascular health. Associated with an increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease-related deaths, TFA consumption has no known health benefits. Foods high in iTFA, such as fried foods, cakes, and ready meals, often contain elevated levels of sugar, fat, and salt.
A Revised Global Target for 2025
Building on the achievements of the past five years, WHO proposes a revised target for the virtual elimination of iTFA globally by 2025. This ambitious goal aims to further enhance global health by reducing the prevalence of TFA-related health issues.
The REPLACE Action: A Collaborative Initiative
To drive the iTFA elimination initiative, WHO has partnered with Resolve to Save Lives, a non-profit organization. Launched in 2018, WHO's REPLACE Action Package offers a strategic approach to removing industrially produced trans fats from national food supplies. Bloomberg Philanthropies has been a key supporter of Resolve to Save Lives' global efforts since 2017, focusing on saving lives from heart health diseases.
In conclusion, the strides made by Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, along with the collective efforts of 53 countries, underscore a global commitment to improving public health by eliminating iTFA. The WHO's recognition and the proposed revised target for 2025 signal a continued push towards a healthier and trans fat-free future.
