Evolution of Trans-fatty acid consumption in Thailand and strategies for its reduction.

Consumption of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFAs) is a well-established health risk factor that correlates with the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The recommended TFA intake is as low as possible, within the context of a nutritionally adequate diet. Different countries have introduced different measures to minimize the exposure of their population to TFAs. Previous data have shown that TFA content has significantly decreased in Western European countries, while this was not the case in many Central-Eastern European countries, including Slovenia. In the absence of regulatory requirements, a number of awareness campaigns were launched in Slovenia since 2015, with the common goal of lowering the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), which are considered a major source of TFAs. To determine if this goal had been reached, we performed an assessment of the exposure of the population to prepacked foods containing PHOs in years 2015 and 2017. Altogether, data on the composition of 22,629 prepacked foods was collected from food labels, using a specifically developed smartphone application. Furthermore, the food categories with the most frequent use of PHOs were identified. The proportion of PHO-containing products was determined for each specific food category, and adjusted with the market share data. The results showed that in 2015, vegetable cream substitutes, soups, and biscuits were the categories with the highest penetration of declared PHO content. In 2017, the proportion of products with PHO decreased considerably. In vegetable cream substitutes the percentage of PHO containing items dropped from 30 down to 4%, in soups it decreased from 21 to 5%, in biscuits from 17 to 8%, and in crisps and snacks from 10 to 4%. However, PHO content remained notable among cakes, muffins, pastries, and biscuits. We can conclude that the voluntary guidelines and regular public communication of the risks related to the TFA consumption has had a considerable effect on the food supply, but did not result in sufficient removal of PHOs from foods.

Overcoming the Trans Fat Problem in Thailand

Road to trans-fat free Philippines: An emerging milestone amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) has been unequivocally linked to several adverse health effects, with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease being one of the most well understood. To reduce TFA-related morbidity and mortality, several countries have imposed voluntary or mandatory measures to minimize the content of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) in the food supply. In 2018, Slovenia introduced a ban on iTFAs on top of preceding voluntary calls to industry to reduce its use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) as the main source of iTFAs. To investigate the consumption of TFAs, data available from the nationally representative dietary survey SI.Menu were analyzed. The survey consisted of two 24-h non-consecutive day recalls from 1248 study participants from three age groups (10–17, 18–64, 65–74 years old), combined with socio-demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle parameters. The analyses demonstrated that, on average, TFAs accounted for 0.38–0.50% of total energy intake (TEI). However, 13% of adolescents, 29.4% of adults, and 41.8% of the elderly population still consumed more than 0.50% TEI with TFAs. The main sources of TFAs in the diet were naturally present TFAs from butter, meat dishes, and meat products, regardless of the age group. Results indicate that following the reformulation activities, the major sources of TFAs in the diets of the Slovenian population now represent foods which are natural sources of TFAs.

Background Dietary trans fatty acids (TFAs) are either natural (from ruminant sources) or generated through industrial processes by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Extended evidence demonstrated their role as cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast, their involvement in cancer etiology is suspected, but epidemiological evidence remains limited. Objectives Our objective was to investigate associations between TFA intake of different types (total, rumninant [rTFAs], industrial [iTFAs], and corresponding specific isomers) and the risk of cancer (overall and main cancer sites) in the NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort (2009-2020). Methods Overall, 104,909 participants were included. Usual TFA intake was estimated from validated repeated 24-h dietary records matched with detailed composition table. Associations between sex-specific quartiles of TFA intake and cancer risk were assessed using multi-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. Results A total of 3,374 incident cancer cases occured during follow-up (among which 982 breast and 405 prostate cancers). Dietary intake of total TFAs was associated with higher prostate cancer risk (HRfor quartile 4 versus 1: 1.27, 1.11-1.77 Ptrend=0.005). rTFAs were associated with increased overall cancer risk (1.16, 1.02-1.32 Ptrend=0.07), in particular the conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) (1.19, 1.04-1.36 Ptrend=0.04). These associations were specifically observed for breast cancer (rTFAs: 1.35, 1.06-1.72 Ptrend=0.01; CLA: 1.29, 1.00-1.66 Ptrend=0.048), in particular before menopause (rTFAs: 1.68, 1.06-2.67 Ptrend=0.02; CLA: 2.013, 1.25-3.23 Ptrend=0.003). Several iTFAs were associated with overall (1.18, 1.06-1.31 Ptrend=0.02 for transdocosenoic acid), breast (isomer 18:2t: 1.30, 1.06-1.58 Ptrend=0.01; hexadecenoic acid: 1.28, 1.05-1.56 Ptrend=0.02) and prostate (transdocosenoic acid: 1.52, 1.09-2.12 Ptrend=0.07) cancer risks. Conclusion In this large prospective study, several types of TFAs were associated with increased overall, breast and prostate cancer risks. Although further studies are needed to better understand underlying mechanisms, these results support the WHO's goal of achieving industrially produced TFAs elimination from food supplies. Meanwhile, the consumption of food products containing partially-hydrogenated oils should be avoided. Citation Format: Gaëlle Wendeu-Foyet, Véronique Chajes, Inge Huybrechts, Jean-Marie Bard, Charlotte Debras, Eloi Chazelas, Bernard Srour, Laurent Zelek, Chantal Julia, Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot, Cédric Agaësse, Nathalie Druesne-Pecollo, Pilar Galan, Serge Hercberg, Mélanie Deschasaux-Tanguy, Mathilde Touvier. Industrial and ruminant trans fatty acid intakes and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-12-35.

Amounts and sources of trans fatty acids (TFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were examined in the diets of children aged five to six years after changes in TFA in Canadian foods. Dietary intake was assessed for 100 Vancouver children, using three 24-hour recalls during parental interviews. Trans fatty acid and SFA intakes and food sources were determined for each child. The TFA intake was 0.71 ± 0.31% of energy, and 12% of children consumed over 1% of energy from TFA. Saturated fatty acids intakes were 12.5 ± 3.39% of energy, and 81% of the children consumed more than 10% of energy from SFA. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes were 12.0 ± 3.0% and 5.79 ± 2.16% of energy, respectively. Major sources of TFA were dairy products, fast foods, and bakery products. Major sources of SFA were dairy products, processed foods, fast food, and bakery products. The TFA intakes of children aged five to six years have decreased since 2004 to a 95th percentile intake of 1.28% of energy, but more than 80% of children consume over 10% of energy from SFA. Removing TFA from snacks and bakery products would decrease the highest TFA intakes to 1% of energy. This study suggests that increased efforts by industry or educational guidance for parents is required to enable selection of foods lower in TFA, and that greater emphasis is needed on SFA.

To assess the prevalence of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), hydrogenated oils (HO) and/or both in Canadian packaged foods in 2013 and 2017 and to determine the mean trans-fatty acid (TFA) content of products declaring such oils. Repeated cross-sectional study of the Food Label Information Program. Food labels (n 32 875) were collected from top Canadian grocery retailers in 2013 and 2017. Proportions of products declaring PHO, HO and/or both in the Ingredients List were calculated by year and food category. The percentage contribution of TFA (g) to total fat (g) was calculated and compared against the voluntary TFA limits, defined as <2 % of total fat content for fats and oils, and <5 % for all other foods. Foods exceeding limits were identified. The mean TFA content (in g/serving and per 100 g) was calculated for products with these oils. The use of PHO, HO and/or both significantly decreased in Canadian foods from 2013 to 2017 (0·8 to 0·2 %, 5 to 2·4 % and 5·7 to 2·6 %, respectively, for PHO, HO and/or both). The mean TFA content of products containing PHO increased (0·34 to 0·57 g TFA/serving); although it was not statistically significant, it is still concerning that TFA content increased. The TFA content significantly decreased in foods with HO (0·24 to 0·16 g TFA/serving, P < 0·05) during 2013-2017. Products with PHO continue to be present in the Canadian marketplace, despite voluntary efforts to eliminate them. Products with HO should also be monitored, as they can also contribute to TFA content in foods.

Objective: Pakistan is among the nations that have a high intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs). TFAs are considered one of the major dietary risk factors of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Efforts are underway in the country to eliminate industrially-produced TFAs from the food supply in keeping with the priority targets of the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2019–2023. We reviewed the TFA content reported in industrially produced foods and discuss the regulatory landscape for TFAs, to facilitate the required policy changes in Pakistan and ultimately eliminate the TFA burden from industrial food products. Design and method: The study components included review of published research and product labels as well as review of prevailing food regulations for TFA-related information. A set of recommendations was also prepared to eliminate TFAs from Pakistan after national consultation workshops conducted in 2019. Results: Vanaspati ghee (partially hydrogenated oil), bakery shortening, hard margarines, and fat spreads were identified as the major sources of TFAs. Food products with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or bakery margarine in their ingredients also contained high level of TFAs. Repeated use of oil for deep frying of potato and cereal products also caused an increase in TFA content. Federal and provincial food authorities have recently established the limits for TFAs in a few products; however, regulations do not include mandatory food labeling. Conclusions: A comprehensive national strategy for TFA elimination, based on knowledge of TFA prevalence associated regulatory control is suggested in this study. We recommend to: (1) promote actions towards replacement of traditional vanaspati ghee/bakery fats with healthier alternatives; (2) review national and provincial food standards to support development and implementation of legislative actions and their compliance; (3) amend food labeling laws so that clear information will be provided to inform consumers’ healthy food choices.

IntroductionThe consumption of trans-fatty acids (TFA) is directly associated with cardiovascular disease risk and is responsible for a significant health burden globally. The policy strategies for reducing TFA include limiting their content in foods and eliminating partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) in the market. This study aims to describe a comparative risk assessment macrosimulation model and to apply this tool to estimate the potential reductions in CVD mortality gained from the compared scenarios of TFA reduction/elimination in Brazil.MethodologyWe developed and implemented a comparative risk assessment macrosimulation model estimates the potential CVD mortality reduction (coronary heart disease – CHD- and stroke) if TFA intake is reduced in diets. The TFA macrosimulation model estimates the change in the annual number of NCD deaths between baseline with current TFA consumption levels and alternate or counterfactual scenarios, such as considering different limits to TFA content in foods and the elimination of PHO in Brazil in 2018. The model incorporated additional outputs related to other impacts of TFA reduction on DPP, such as Years of Life Lost, Years of Productive Life Lost, and related economic impacts of premature deaths.ResultsIn 2018, a 2% limit for TFA in the oils and fats and a 5% limit of TFAs for other foods could avert or postpone approximately 2,000 deaths (UI 95% 1,899-2,142) and save US$ 32.1 million savings in productivity losses to the economy associated to premature deaths. An intermediate scenario, applying a 2% limit of TFA in all food products In Brazil could prevent or postpone approximately 6,300 deaths (UI 95% 5,925-6,684) and the premature deaths prevented would represent US$ 100.2 million in economic saving. Finally, by banning PHO, approximately 10,500 deaths could be prevented or postponed (UI 95% 9,963 − 10,909), corresponding to US$ 166.7 million in savings to the economy because of premature deaths.ConclusionThe TFA macrosimulation model can efficiently compare different policy scenarios for trans fats reduction policies at the country level and proves that the elimination of PHOs from the food market in Brazil may significantly reduce the health burden of trans fatty acids in the country compared to other policy options. The model also represents a useful public health tool to support TFA reduction and elimination policies in other countries.

Background/Objectives: Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. TFAs are classified as natural (r-TFAs) or industrially produced (i-TFAs). The primary source of i-TFAs is partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs). The European Union implemented Commission Regulation 2019/649, setting a limit of i-TFAs in food. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasised the need to completely eliminate PHOs from global food supplies. This study aimed to assess the content of PHOs in food, based on the declared ingredient composition on product labelling, pre- and post-implementation of Regulation 2019/649. The types of fats used as PHOs substitutes were also assessed. Methods: The study material consisted of product labels produced before (n = 1224) and after (n = 779) the implementation of Regulation 2019/649. An analysis of the fats declared in the ingredient lists of these products was carried out, together with an evaluation of the PHOs substitutes used. Results: Before the entry into force of Regulation 2019/649, 6.9% of the 1224 products evaluated contained PHOs. After the implementation of the Regulation, PHOs were not listed on the label of any of the 779 products evaluated. Among the 84 products that contained PHOs before Regulation 2019/649 came into force, 36 were no longer available on the market. The remaining 48 used palm oil as the primary PHOs substitute. Conclusions: The introduction of legal limits for i-TFAs in foods appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the dietary intake of TFAs. The commonly used PHOs substitute is palm oil with significant amounts of saturated fatty acids.

In the present study, 122 food samples from the German food market were analysed for their C18:1 trans fatty acid (TFA) content and profile. A particular focus of the survey were baked and fried foods. TFA analysis was performed by means of silver ion SPE (Ag+-SPE) in combination with high-resolution GC (HRGC-FID). Overall, 51 bakery product samples were analysed of which 25 samples were prepacked bakery products purchased from local retail stores and 26 samples of unpacked bakery products purchased from local bakery shops. In addition, 14 French fries samples obtained from small local fast food restaurants as well as from internationally operating fast food chains, 27 potato and tortillas chips, 15 instant soups as well as 15 dry culinary sauces were analysed. The highest amounts of C18:1 TFA isomers were found in deep-fried bakery products. Prepacked branded cookies and biscuits on the other hand contained only negligible C18:1 TFA amounts. Regarding their C18:1 trans isomer profile most deep-fried bakery products exhibited a Gaussian-distributed isomer profile. The analysed prepacked croissants, cookies and biscuits contained predominantly ruminant TFA (TFA) as suggested by the presence of vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans 11), which was the major C18:1 TFA isomer in these products. All non-bakery samples (n = 71) contained less than 3 g C18:1 TFA per 100 g fat. In conclusion, TFA still occur in considerable amounts in a few German food products, especially in some deep-fried bakery products (‘Berliner’ type of doughnuts). Practical applications: Trans fatty acids, in particular the trans octadecenoic fatty acid isomers (C18:1), are generally considered from the nutritional point of view as undesirable food components due to their negative health effects. Tremendous efforts have been made by major food processors in order to decrease or even eliminate the presence of TFA in some foodstuffs (e.g. in margarines in European countries). However, some food processors of other food sectors are still applying oils and fats containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, whereas others within the same food category have already switched their processing conditions and/or raw materials towards TFA alternatives. Therefore, actual TFA data of foodstuffs determined by means of state-of-the-art analytical procedures (Ag+-SPE in combination with GC-FID) is necessary to detect areas of further improvement in the food supply chain and to provide data for an update of dietary TFA intake.

Pakistan is among the nations with a high intake of trans-fatty acids (TFAs), a major dietary risk factor of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Efforts are underway in the country to eliminate industrially produced TFAs from the food supply in keeping with the priority targets of the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2019-2023. We reviewed the TFA content reported in industrially produced foods and discuss the regulatory landscape for TFAs, to facilitate the required policy changes in Pakistan and ultimately eliminate the TFA burden from industrial food products. The study components include review of published research and product labels as well as review of prevailing food regulations for TFA-related information. A set of recommendations was also prepared to eliminate TFAs from Pakistan after national consultation workshops conducted in year 2019. Vanaspati ghee (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil), bakery shortening, hard margarines, and fat spreads are identified as the major sources of TFAs. Federal and provincial food authorities have recently established the limits for TFAs in few products; however, the TFA regulations are insufficient and not in line with global best practices. This study informs a comprehensive national strategy for TFA elimination based on knowledge of TFA prevalence associated regulatory control. We recommend to (1) promote actions toward replacement of traditional vanaspati ghee/bakery fats with healthier alternatives; (2) develop and implement best regulatory practices in line with WHO recommendations; and (3) amend food labeling laws so that clear information will be provided to inform consumers healthy food choices.

High-voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma (HVACP) hydrogenation of soybean oil without trans-fatty acids

A large body of data from epidemiologic, clinical trial, animal, and in vitro studies demonstrate adverse consequences of industrially synthesized trans fatty acids (TFAs) on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). A growing database of more recent research from virtually all experimental models demonstrates evidence of detrimental consequences of TFAs on the risk of diabetes. Evidence is accumulating about the physiological and cellular mechanisms of action that account for the many adverse effects TFAs have on CHD and diabetes. In a relatively short period of time (i.e., from around the early 1990s to the present time, or almost 20 years), we have gained a good understanding of the health effects of TFAs from epidemiologic studies, clinical trials/studies, animal research, and in vitro experiments that collectively justify current dietary recommendations made by numerous government agencies and health organizations to consume a diet with as little TFAs as possible. Public policy actions have been impl...

Bakery foods are the major dietary source of trans-fatty acids among pregnant women with diets providing 30 percent energy from fat