Fight Against Trans Fats in 2021 | UPSC

• On December 29, 2020, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reduced the permissible limit of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022, against the earlier cap of 5%.
• The decision was effected by an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations.

• In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) had called for a global elimination of industrially produced TFAs by 2023.

WHAT ARE TRANS FATS?

• Natural, or ruminant, trans fats occur in the meat and dairy from ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
• They form naturally when bacteria in these animals’ stomachs digest grass.
• These types typically comprise 2–6% of the fat in dairy products and 3–9% of the fat in cuts of beef and lamb.
• However, dairy and meat eaters needn’t be concerned.

TRANS FATS – ARE THEY HARMFUL?

• Several reviews have concluded that a moderate intake of these fats does not appear harmful .
• The best-known ruminant trans fat is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is found in dairy fat.
• It is believed to be beneficial and is marketed as a dietary supplement .
• However, artificial trans fats — otherwise known as industrial trans fats or partially hydrogenated fats — are hazardous to our health.

• All natural fats and oils are a combination of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids.
• Our body needs the first two categories of ‘healthy’ fats as apart from being a major source of energy, they help absorb some vitamins and minerals and build cell membranes and the sheaths surrounding nerves.
• These fats are free-flowing, unlike saturated fatty acids or trans fats, which are considered harmful as they clog arteries and result in hypertension, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.

HOW DID INDIA AND OTHER NATIONS START ACTING ON IT?

• In 2018, the WHO called for elimination of industrially produced TFAs by 2023, and brought out a step-by-step guide called ‘REPLACE’ to help countries frame policies.
• This prompted accelerated action by member states and other stakeholders.

• In the next five years, Chile and Switzerland banned TFAs too.
• During the same period, several U.S. States, such as New York, implemented local bans.
• In its report in 2020, the WHO said that 58 countries had introduced laws that will protect 3.2 billion people from TFAs by the end of 2021.
• But more than 100 countries still needed to take action.
• Last year, 11 of the 15 countries that account for two-thirds of deaths linked to trans fats still needed to act.
• These were Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea.
• In India, action against trans fats coincided with the setting up of the FSSAI.
• Though it came into existence in 2006, civil society organisations say that its functioning picked up by 2011-12.
• It was in 2011 that it imposed a cap of 10% on trans fats in oils and fats in India, which was further revised to 5% in 2015.

WHAT NEXT?

• Civil society organisations in India are pushing for a cap of 3% for 2021 and 2% for 2022 to be imposed not just on trans fats in oils and fats, but in “all” foods.
• According to those engaging with the government on the subject, a regulation for this is likely soon.

• The FSSAI will need to pursue local governments to improve surveillance, inspection of food premises, sampling of food products, regular training of officers, upgradation of food labs, etc.
• There are also concerns raised by a Parliamentary panel on the regulator’s ineffectiveness.