After much consideration, FDA determined that ‘Trans Fat’ present in our food has been recognized as un-safe. Hence, The World Health Organization announced its plan to eliminate artificial trans-fat from the global food supply, by year 2023.
Artificial trans-fats, or trans fatty acids, also known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, is widely used in fried food products and in order to preserve the shelf life of snack foods or baked goods.
WHO reported that, trans-fats contributed to the deaths of over half a million people, majority belonging to the low and middle income countries.
Denmark, being the first country to mandate restrictions on industrially-produced trans-fats, has noticed a drastic decrease in the rate of cardiovascular diseases and associated deaths, 3 years after the policy was enforced. Soon after, New York followed their lead, resulting in reduction of the number of heart attacks.
A representative for The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents more than 250 food, beverage and consumer product companies in Washington D.C. stated that, they agree with World Health Organization's plan and have reduced trans fat use by 98%.
According to the World Health Organization, strict action is to be taken in low and middle income countries, particularly South Asia and Africa. The WHO does not have enough power to enforce a global plan, but could pave the way for the implementation of certain regulations, and most importantly, to spread awareness regarding this grave matter. They have insisted that healthier alternatives can be used that would not affect the taste or cost of food, leading towards cardiovascular disease - free societies.