- By: Shahid Ali Tareen
Trans fats, particularly those derived from partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), have been identified as significant contributors to severe health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Despite global efforts to eliminate these harmful substances, Pakistan continues to face challenges in regulating their presence in the food supply.
Trans fats are produced through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil, causing the oil to become solid at room temperature. This process results in PHOs, which are inexpensive and have a long shelf life, making them attractive for use in processed foods. However, consumption of trans fats increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels while decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, leading to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.
As of 2023, Pakistan had not met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) deadline to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from all food sources. The country is categorized as partially meeting the WHO’s criteria for trans fat regulation and is placed in the less restrictive category. While significant progress has been made with the inclusion of banaspati ghee, bakery shortenings, biscuits, rusk and breads, and bakery items under regulation in 2023, Pakistan still falls short of WHO-recommended best practices policy.
Health experts and stakeholders are urging the Pakistani government to implement stringent regulations to limit industrially produced trans fats to less than 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat in all food sources and to completely ban PHOs.
Globally, many countries have successfully reduced or eliminated trans fats from their food supplies through effective policy measures. The WHO emphasizes that the removal of PHOs results in substantial health benefits, particularly when replaced by oils rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
The continued presence of trans fats and PHOs in Pakistan’s food supply poses a significant threat to public health. Comprehensive policy measures, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration among stakeholders are essential to eliminate these harmful substances and protect the health of the nation’s population.