Context:
High intake of trans-fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease, Union Health Minister informed Lok Sabha.
Trans-fatty Acids:
- A type of dietary fat.
- Largely produced artificially but a small amount also occurs naturally.
- Types of trans fats –
- Natural trans fats – Found in small amounts in meat and dairy from ruminant animals (e.g., cows, sheep).
- Artificial trans fats – Industrially produced via partially hydrogenating unsaturated fatty acidcontaining oils, commonly found in – partially hydrogenated vegetable fats such as vanaspati, margarine, and bakery shortenings.
- Natural trans fats are less harmful compared with Artificial trans fats.
- Prolonged trans-fat consumption risks – heart diseases, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancers.
Adverse Health Impacts:
- Higher heart disease– Increase total cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol (HDL).
- Obesity and diabetes– Linked to higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance – High blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess waist fat, abnormal cholesterol.
- Other health issues – Infertility, certain cancers, and compromised fetal development, harming unborn babies.
National and Global Initiatives:
- Introduction of limits in trans-fat in industrial products by FSSAI.
- Capped trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils at 3% (2021) and 2% (2022).
- Heart Attack Rewind Campaign – FSSAI launched a mass media campaign to raise awareness about trans fat’s harmful effects.
- Capping Trans Fat Limits – India imposed 10% cap on trans fats in 2011, reduced to 5% in 2015.
- Eat Right Movement – FSSAI’s initiative for safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all.
- Green, Purple Initiative – 6-month program teaching trans-fat free, low-sodium cooking.
- Trans Fat-Free Logo – FSSAI introduced logo for foods containing less than 0.2g/100g trans-fat.
- World Health Organization’s “REPLACE” Guide –Eliminating industrially produced trans fats by 2023 and released a guide to help countries frame policies
Source: The Times of India
Previous Year Question
A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?
- The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.
- The food products are not made out of animal fats.
- The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of consumers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3