Combating trans fatty acids in food supplies

The Sultanate of Oman has further enhanced its impressive list of accolades by receiving a new ranking from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from food supplies.
Other countries that have been recognised for adopting this best-policy for reducing trans fats in their national food supplies by 2025 include the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Norway and the Republic of Singapore.
According to Oman's state-run news agency, the WHO recognition reflects the country's strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life, consolidating preventive healthcare, and improving public health indicators. This aligns with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to elevate the nation to the ranks of developed countries, with health as a top priority.
The news agency quoted Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, as saying, 'The elimination of trans fats represents a significant milestone in our commitment to promoting and protecting community health. Oman takes pride in being one of the nine leading countries globally and the second country in the Arab world to implement this life-saving policy aimed at eliminating this harmful ingredient.'
Oman's healthcare system emphasises quality, transparency and accountability. It features a national framework designed to promote and protect public health in accordance with precautionary principles, validated scientific evidence and international health regulations.
In 2022, Oman took action in combatting trans-fatty acids, when it issued a ban on the production, import and marketing of partially hydrogenated oils and food products in which these oils are used.
The ban was issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Water Resources and it came into effect on July 24, 2022. The decision was expected, given that the problem of high trans-fatty acid intake among the Omani population was highlighted in the National Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030, where such a measure was also proposed.
Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, are unsaturated fats found in both industrial and natural sources. Their use has increased dramatically in recent years because they tend to be cheaper and are suitable for a variety of processed food products.
The World Health Organization has set a target to implement best-practice policies in countries that account for at least 90 per cent of the global trans fats burden by the end of 2025, with a goal of reaching at least 70 per cent within each region. But the global progress remains inadequate, despite policy intention across regions. To date, only 60 countries have adopted these policies, which collectively cover 46 per cent of the world's population.
Experts warn that the consumption of in ultra-processed packaging can have severe health consequences. They describe these foods as an open invitation to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and even cancer.
A high intake of trans fats, defined by the UN health agency as more than one per cent of total energy intake, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality.
The consumption of trans fats elevates levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a recognised biomarker for cardiovascular diseases. Research indicates that diets high in trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease by 21 per cent and the risk of death by 28 per cent. Trans fat intake is responsible for up to 500,000 premature deaths from coronary heart disease each year.
"Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats significantly contribute to preventable deaths each year, particularly due to their impact on heart health," stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Countries must implement best-practice policies, like restricting trans fats to 2 grammes per 100 grammes of total fat or prohibiting partially hydrogenated oils, and also show strict enforcement and monitoring to qualify for the WHO's validation programme, the UN health agency notes.
Samuel Kutty
The writer is a freelance journalist and author who worked in Oman and India

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