The World Health Organization (WHO) awarded its first-ever certificates to five countries for their outstanding progress in eliminating industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from their food supplies. Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand were recognized for implementing best-practice policies, rigorous monitoring, and effective enforcement systems that significantly reduce the risk of heart disease linked to iTFA consumption.
This achievement marks a turning point in the global fight against this harmful dietary ingredient. While the ambitious goal of eliminating iTFA by 2023 was not fully met, remarkable progress has been made on every continent. In 2023 alone, seven additional countries, including Egypt, Mexico, and the Philippines, adopted best-practice policies, bringing the total number of protected countries to 53. This translates to a vast improvement in the food environment for 3.7 billion people – almost half the world’s population – compared to just 6% five years ago.
“Trans fat has no place in a healthy diet,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We are thrilled that so many countries are prioritizing policies that limit or ban its use. But having a policy is only half the battle. I commend Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand for setting the gold standard in monitoring and enforcement, demonstrating the potential for saving lives.”
These five pioneering countries demonstrate how effective iTFA elimination can be. Implementing mandatory limits on iTFA content in foods or banning partially hydrogenated oils, a major source of iTFA, not only saves lives but also presents minimal cost burdens to governments or consumers. Additionally, WHO highlights the crucial role of the food industry in reformulating products to be iTFA-free, as outlined in a recent report.
Despite the significant progress, more than half the world’s population remains unprotected from the dangers of iTFA. Therefore, WHO proposes a revised target for “virtual elimination” by 2025, focusing on policy adoption in countries representing at least 90% of the global iTFA burden and 70% within each region.
Eliminating iTFA is a powerful tool for preventing heart disease, a leading cause of death globally. The economic benefits are equally significant, reducing healthcare costs and lost productivity associated with preventable illness. WHO remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts to achieve this important public health goal, and the next application cycle for the iTFA elimination validation program opens in March 2024.