Ogbodo Ozioma Favour
The World Health Organization (WHO) has awarded its first-ever certificates for industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) elimination progress to five countries.
Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand have been recognized for their best-practice policies for eliminating iTFA and effective monitoring and enforcement systems.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “Trans fat has no known health benefit, but huge health risks. We are very pleased that so many countries have introduced policies banning or limiting trans-fat in food.”
A statement by the Organisation on Monday revealed that the global goal of fully eliminating iTFA by the end of 2023 was not met. Still, good progress has been made, with 53 countries now having best-practice policies in effect for tackling iTFA in food, improving the food environment for 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the world’s population. It is expected that these policies will save approximately 183,000 lives a year.
The WHO validation programme for iTFA elimination recognises countries that have gone beyond introducing best practice policies by ensuring rigorous monitoring and enforcement systems are in place. The best practices in iTFA elimination policies follow WHO criteria and limit iTFA use in all food settings.
Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, expressed confidence in the battle against trans-fat, stating, “Trans-fat elimination is economically, politically, and technically feasible and saves lives at virtually no cost to governments or consumers. This harmful compound is unnecessary, and no one misses it when it’s gone.”
