©WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a new certification programme to recognise countries that have eliminated industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFA) from their national food supplies.
TFA is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and increased intake (>1% of total energy intake) is associated with coronary heart disease events and premature death, according to WHO.
Industrially produced TFA is found in baked and fried foods, pre-packaged snacks and some cooking oils and fats.
WHO says that the proposed certification programme for TFA elimination is essential in establishing country accountability.
The programme also aims to accelerate global progress towards the organisation’s goal of eliminating industrially produced TFA by 2023.
WHO previously issued guidance to countries that recommends they adopt one of two best-practice policy options: limit industrially produced TFA to 2g per 100g of total fat in all fats, oils and foods; or ban the production and use of partially hydrogenated oils.
To qualify for certification under the new programme, countries must demonstrate that one of the policy options has been implemented and that effective monitoring and enforcement systems are in place.
Currently, best-practice TFA policies have come into effect in 14 countries; an additional 26 countries have passed a best-practice policy that will come into effect in the next two years.
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