Geneva: WHO Certifies Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Denmark, Lithuania, and Poland for their successful efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) from their food supplies. This recognition marks a significant health milestone and reflects the strong commitment of these nations to enhancing public health. Their robust monitoring and enforcement systems have been effective in eradicating iTFA.
Their success in implementing policies to phase out iTFA is a testament to their commitment to public health and preventive measures against diet-related diseases. These countries have set a global example by demonstrating that it is possible to create healthier food environments through concerted policy efforts.
trans fats, which can be industrially produced or naturally occurring, are known for increasing the risk of heart attacks and heart disease. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlighted the serious health risks posed by trans fats, stating that they offer “no known health benefit” but are associated with significant health hazards. These fats are commonly found in fried foods, cakes, and ready meals, which are also often high in sugar, fat, and salt.
In 2018, WHO set an ambitious global target to completely remove iTFA from the world’s food supply by the end of 2023. While this goal was not fully achieved, remarkable strides have been made worldwide. The UN agency notes that substantial progress has been observed in every global region.
Currently, 53 countries have adopted “best practice” policies to combat the presence of mass-produced trans fats in food, benefiting around 3.7 billion people or 46 percent of the global population. This is a significant increase from just six percent coverage five years ago, marking a major step forward in global health and nutrition.
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