Total Trans Fatty Acid Content Research Articles

Analysis of Vaccenic and Elaidic acid in foods using a silver ion cartridge applied to GC × GC-TOFMS.

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are unsaturated fatty acids, with vaccenic acid (VA) and elaidic acid (EA) being the major constituents. While VA has been associated with beneficial effects on health and anti-cancer properties, EA is found in hardened vegetable oils and is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel method for the quantitative measurement of VA and EA, aiming to accurately analyze individual TFA and apply it for the assessment of products containing TFAs. The ratio of VA to EA (V/E ratio) was evaluated using a silver ion cartridge (SIC) solid phase extraction method removing cis-fatty acids (cis-FAs). Additionally, comparative analysis of the V/E ratio was conducted by the two methods (SIC treatment and untreated) using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS). The removal efficiency of cis-FAs was greater than 97.8%. However, the total TFA contents were not so different from SIC treatment. Moreover, this approach not only allowed for a more precise determination of the V/E ratio but also revealed a significant distinction between natural trans fatty acids (N-TFAs) and hydrogenated trans fatty acids (H-TFAs). Therefore, the SIC coupled to the GC × GC-TOFMS presented in this study could be applied to discriminate N-TFA and H-TFA contents in dairy and fatty foods.

Revealing the heat-induced cis-trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids in camellia oil

The regularity of cis-trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids in camellia oil under heating was revealed adopting fatty acid profile evolution coupled with reaction kinetics. The temperatures of generating mono-trans linoleic acids (C18:2-9c12t and C18:2-9t12c) and linolelaidic acid (C18:2-9t12t) were at 220 °C and 280 °C respectively, both of which were significantly higher than that of elaidic acid (180 °C). And the total trans fatty acids (TFAs) content was increased with the elevating of heating temperature. Furthermore, the reaction rate constants (k) of cis-trans isomerization were observed according to the rate equations. In accordance with the k, the activation energy (Ea) of the cis-trans isomerization was calculated referring to the Arrhenius equation, the Ea of generating elaidic, mono-trans linoleic and linolelaidic acids reactions were 97.22 kJ/mol, 127.4 kJ/mol and 112.6 kJ/mol, respectively. These results indicated that oleic acid is more prone to be converted into trans isomer than linoleic acid, the mono-trans linoleic acids are the precursors of linolelaidic acid in heat-induced camellia oil. This study provides a reference for the potential inhibition of TFAs formation during camellia oil processing.

Content of industrially produced trans fatty acids in breast milk: An observational study.

Breast milk may contain industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFAs), which can affect the content of essential fatty acids (EFAs). This could have significant implications for the child's development. The fatty acids present in breast milk can be modified by adjusting the mother's diet. The objective of this study was to determine the content of industrially produced TFAs present in colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk produced by mothers between 18 and 45 years of age in the state of Querétaro, Mexico, based on a longitudinal observational study. The TFA content in the breast milk of 33 lactating women was analyzed using gas chromatography. The mothers’ consumption of TFAs was also estimated by analyzing a log prepared through 24‐hr dietary recall (24HR) obtained in each period. The TFA content in the mothers’ diet was similar across the colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk phases: 1.64 ± 1.25 g, 1.39 ± 1.01, and 1.66 ± 1.13 g, respectively. The total TFA content was 1.529% ± 1.648% for colostrum; 0.748% ± 1.033% for transitional milk and 0.945% ± 1.368% for mature milk. Elaidic acid was the TFA in the highest concentration in all three types of milk. No correlation was found between the content of industrially produced TFAs in breast milk and the anthropometric measurements of the mother or between the estimated consumption of TFAs and the content of TFAs in breast milk. Elaidic acid and total content of TFAs were negatively correlated (p < .05) with the content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (0.394 ± 0.247) (R = −0.382) in colostrum. The concentration of TFAs was found to correlate with the composition of EFAs in milk.

Nutrıtıonal characterıstıcs and sensory acceptabılıty of reduced-fat french frıes

The Brazilian food industry and government reached a consensus on progressively reducing the content of industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) in food products due to its health effects. French fries are popular among young people and this study evaluates four brands of frozen pre-fried French fries marketed in Brazil and four brands of French fries from the main fast-food chains in Brazil regarding their fatty acid profile and total fat content. The total fat content of fast-food chain French fries was 14-21g/100 g, with a total TFA content of 0.01-0.14 g/100 g. In turn, the total fat content of frozen pre-fried French fries ranged from 3.3 to 7.4 g/100 g, with a total TFA content of 0.01-0.03 g/100 g. Deep fat frying of these products did not include partially hydrogenated fat. Two most sold pre-fried French fries brands available in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil were selected and evaluated using air frying cooking method regarding sensory acceptance. Mean acceptance among consumers was 5.7 and 5.1 for brands A and B, respectively. Brand A was further evaluated by children and young people, with mean acceptance of 4.48 and 7.2, respectively, showing good acceptance for pre-fried French fries with reduced fat content.

THE BOUILLON TABLES FROM TURKEY: DETERMINATON OF CIS-TRANS FATTY ACID PROFILES BY CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

Nowadays, commmercial bouillon tablets are mostly used as a flavor enhancer substant or an instant product in Turkish cuisine. As chemical structure, Trans FAs are unsaturated fatty acids having at least one double bond in its trans geometric configuration. Trans FA are occured by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils in the manufacturing of margarine and vegetable shortening. In this study, industrially produced commmercial bouillon tablet (n=14) samples from Turkey were analyzed by capillary (DB 23 column) gas chromatography method and an under controlled temperature oven programm with particular emphasis on cis–trans fatty acid profiles. The bouillon samples were collected as two goups (first group containing animal additives [AAB n=12] and second group including vegatable additives [VAB n=2]). There is no detailed information on fatty acid (FA) compounds, including trans fatty acids (TFAs), of consumed several commercial boullions in Turkey. There is no “trans fatty acid-free” declaration on various bouillon labels in Turkey. Large variations were observed among the cis–trans FA profiles of the boullion samples from Turkey,despite the fact that the samples are produced in the same production conditions.The palmitic (PAM) levels (predominant cis saturated FAs for all samples) of AAB samples (32.63–44.44%) were more high rather than the VAB samples (47.62–50.64%). Other major saturated FAs for AAB and VAB samples were determined stearic ( (5.28–9.90% AAB and 6.33–6.73% VAB), lauric (0.19– 5.84% AAB and 1.13–1.30% VAB) and myristic acids (0.86–2.61% AAB and 1.39–1.45% VAB).The changes of oleic (OLA) acid (from other predominant cis monounsaturated FA) of VAB samples (30.75–33.45%) were high than those of AABs (12.64–29.35%). The ranges of LO, an essential /nutritional fatty acid and the predominant FA of PUFAs, and PUFAs of AAB – except two samples– commercial bouillon samples (0.45–9.82% and 0.45–9.97% ) were low rather than VAA samples (7.97–8.14% and 8.14–8.35 %). Conjugated Linoleic (CLA) FAs, having nutritional FAs having anti-carcinogenic, antioxidative and anti-atherosclerotic effects, were determined in small amounts for only six samples (0.03% to 0.06% ). Elaidic acid (C18:1 trans acid) content, the mainly trans FA in all boullion, was within the range of 20.00–27.32% in the AAB samples, and it was significantly higher than the range in VAB samples (0.08–0.14%). Total trans fatty acids (TFAs) were another important major (second) FAs for all bouillon samples. The changes of Trans/Cis ratio ranged between 0.26 and 0.50 for AAB samples but VB samples has a little values from 0.002 to 0.003. Turkish vegetable boullion. samples have low total trans FA contents (0.19–0.26%) than the animal boullion samples (20.19–28.78%).There are a large variation and significant (P&lt;0.05) differences were statistically determined among major cis FAs (PAM, SA, OLA, LO and LN) and their involved parameters (SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs). The consumed several commercial boullions in Turkey were classified and characterized chemometric method (Principal Component Analysis, PCA) based on some fatty acid profiles and their parameters. Applying PCA to the all bouillon samples data determined the percentage of total variance explained by the first two PCs were 49.3% and 21.8% (totally 71.1%), respectively.

Effect of Chemical Refining Steps on the Some Micro and Macro Element Content and Quality Parameters in Corn Oil

In this study, it was aimed to determine some element contents and some quality properties and to compare these parameters at each stage in the chemically refining process of crude corn oil. Color (lovibond tintometer), free fatty acidity, peroxide values and fatty acid compositions were determined in the samples of corn oil taken from consecutive stages of chemically refining. Also, the content of elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cr, P, Cu) was analyzed, by using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave digestion. The color (Lovibond tintometer), free fatty acidity and peroxide values in the chemically refining process varied between 2.7-16, %0.09-2.12, 10.95-1.08 mEqO2/kg, respectively. Oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid contents changed between 30.486-30.580%, 54.339-54.703% and 0.972-0.993%, respectively, in the chemically refining stages. While no trans fatty acids detected in crude corn oil and after degumming-neutralization step, very low amount of trans oleic acid (0.040%) and total trans linoleic acid (0.132%) was detected in bleached corn oil. The total trans fatty acid content little more increased in the last stage of the chemically refining. However, total trans fatty acid content of refined corn oil was &lt; 0.3%. It was clearly seen that Na, Mg, K, P, Ca, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu element contents decreased significantly at the end of the chemically refining process. Although Cd, Co and Zn elements were determined in crude corn oil, these elements were not detected in the refined corn oil. The results obtained showed that the chemically refining process effected some of the quality properties of corn oil and especially the changes in the element contents.

Evaluation of Fatty Acid Compositions of the Margarines, Fat Spreads and Butters Currently Consumed in Japan

Using high-resolution capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, we determined the fatty acid compositions of each ten sample of the margarines, fat spreads and butters currently consumed in Japan, with special reference to trans fatty acids. The total trans fatty acid contents of the margarines, fat spreads and butters examined were 0.19–1.49 g 100 g−1 (av. 0.71 g 100 g−1), 0.16–0.88 g 100 g−1 (av. 0.51 g 100 g−1), and 2.49–3.37 g 100 g−1 (av. 2.74 g 100 g−1), respectively, clearly showing lower levels of trans fatty acids in all the samples of margarines and fat spreads than those of butters. In addition, the total saturated fatty acid contents of the margarines, fat spreads and butters were 17.3–45.6 g 100 g−1 (av. 29.7 g 100 g−1), 4.51–25.6 g 100 g−1 (av. 16.2 g 100 g−1), and 48.8–54.8 g 100 g−1 (av. 52.4 g 100 g−1), respectively, also showing lower levels of saturated fatty acids in all the samples of margarines and fat spreads than those of butters. The most predominant trans fatty acid of butters is vaccenic acid (11t-18 : 1), comprising av. 30.4 % of total trans fatty acids, while in margarines and fat spreads trans 18 : 2 (9c,12t- and 9t,12c-isomers) and trans 18 : 3 (9c,12c,15t- and 9t,12c,15c-isomers) were the major ones, suggesting that they were derived from refined vegetable oils as raw materials. The present study demonstrates that modern Japanese margarines and fat spreads have significantly lower levels of trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids than butters.

Relationship between the fat and oil composition and their initial oxidation rate during storage

Until now, the relationship between the fat and oil composition and their oxidation stability has been studied only at elevated temperatures (typically above 100 °C). Therefore, the initial oxidation rates of 19 edible fats and oils were determined as an increase in the peroxide value during storage in the dark at 35 °C with free access to air (oxygen). The initial oxidation rates of fats and oils were compared with parameters characterising these fats and oils (peroxide value, acid value, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity, and tocochromanol content). Using a simple correlation analysis, the initial oxidation rate correlated the most strongly with the peroxide value of the analysed fats and oils (P &amp;lt; 0.01). A highly reliable model (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) was obtained by multivariate statistical analysis. According to this model, the initial oxidation rate is affected mainly by the peroxide value and then by total trans fatty acid content, and antioxidant capacity.

A comparison of the fat, sugar, and sodium contents in ready-to-heat type home meal replacements and restaurant foods in Korea

The aim of this study was to compare the fat, sugar, and sodium contents in ready-to-heat type home meal replacements (HMR) distributed in Korea to those found in restaurant foods. A total of 80 samples of HMR including three types of rice (n = 13), three types of porridge (n = 13), six types of soup (n = 25), and six types of stew (n = 29) were collected in 2019. The fat, total sugar, and sodium contents in HMR were determined, whereas those found in restaurant foods were obtained from the Korean food composition database. HMR tend to have similar or lower total saturated and total trans fatty acid contents, but a greater total sugar content as compared to those of restaurant foods. No distinct difference was observed in the sodium content between HMR and restaurant foods. The total saturated and total trans fatty acid contents and total sugar content per serving in both HMR and restaurant foods were at low levels (i.e., 1.9–22.2, 0.5–13.2, and 0.1–2.9 %, respectively) compared to their recommended maximum daily intake values, whereas their sodium content per serving was relatively higher (i.e., 20.4–101.9 % of the maximum daily intake value).

Fatty Acids and Trans Fatty Acids Profile of Potato Chips and French Fries Marketed in Romania

The aim of the study was to evaluate the composition in fatty acids (FAi) and trans fatty acids (t-FAi) from potato chips and French fries using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fat sample was extracted with petroleum ether, using the Buchi B-811 automatic extraction unit, the Soxhlet Standard procedure. The extracted fat was saponified with sodium methoxide solution and the fatty acids derivatized into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) with BF3 methanolic solution. Six potato chips samples and six French fries samples, coming from 3, respectively 5 brands, were purchased from supermarkets and fast foods in Bucharest, Romania. In potato chips, saturated (SFA), cis-monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were present between 6.410 - 48.862%, 41.786 - 84.570%, respectively 5.567 - 28.274%, and in French fries ranged between 7.001 - 57.277%, 35.281 � 57.894%, respectively 7.442 � 49.392%. The tested samples showed that the level of total trans fatty acids (TFA) was less than 0.2% (undetectable - 0.124%). It can be concluded that potato chips and French fries marketed in Bucharest, Romania are safe for consumers in terms of TFA content.

Fatty acid composition of sweet bakery goods and chocolate products and evaluation of overall nutritional quality in relation to the food label information

The study aimed to determine fatty acid (FA) composition of some sweet bakery goods and chocolate products on Turkey market (n = 35) and to evaluate their overall nutritional quality in relation with the nutritional facts on the label. Moreover,“trans fatty acid (TFA)-free” declaration on the label was checked with the current labelling regulations in Turkey. Majority of the sample groups represented the prevalence of palmitic and oleic acid; on the other hand, it was difficult to specify a sample group with a specific FA. Erucic acid, for which European Commission set maximum limits, was not detected in any of the samples. It was observed that total saturated fatty acids (SFA) constituted more than 44 % of total FA. In all cases, total TFA content was lower than 1 % of total FA. Based on nutritional facts on the label, that type of products provide higher energy with the main source of fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, consumption of those products in a diet should be limited not to gain an excess amount of body weight and to have adverse health effects related to higher SFA content. This study can be regarded as a case surveillance study by providing updated data that can be used by Nutritionals and authorities to make risk assessments on consumer health.

Lipid Composition of Brazilian Chocolates and Chocolate Products with Special Emphasis on Their Fat Origin and Trans C18:1 Isomeric Profile.

The aim of this work was to provide recent fatty acid (FA) profiling of chocolates and chocolate products, principally C18:1 trans FAs (TFAs). Thirty-two samples were analyzed by gas chromatography and FAs were quantified. The total TFA content declared in chocolate labeling and the real TFA content were compared. The TFA content ranged from 0.04 to 2.51 g/100 g of sample, and it was noticed that several manufacturers were underestimating the total TFA content in their labeling. The main TFA isomers quantified were C18:1 trans-9 (0.006-0.244%), C18:1 trans-10 (0.009-0.392%), and C18:1 trans-11 (0.013-0.464%), expressed in g/100 g of sample. Principal component analysis was used to discriminate industrial fats from natural trans fats based on the isomeric TFA profile and dairy fat (DF) biomarkers allowing to group samples in four clusters: high TFA content and high DF content, high TFA content and low DF content, low TFA content and high DF content, and low TFA content and low DF content.

Nutritive value and trans fatty acid content of fast foods in Qena city, Egypt

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the nutrient composition and cholesterol content of most popular fast foods sold in Qena city, Egypt with reference to their trans fatty acids contents.Design/methodology/approachTotal 80 samples of fast foods were collected from various fast food restaurants in Qena city, Egypt. The samples were investigated for their nutritive quality by measuring moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate and energy content as described by the association of analytical chemists. The cholesterol content was determined using a spectrophotometer, while trans fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography using standard methods.FindingsThe study revealed a wide variation in the composition and nutritive value. On a fresh weight basis, moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate and ash ranged from 45.9-55.0 (P < 0.001), 15.0-22.3 (P < 0.001), 13.1-15.7 (P = 0.034), 6.0-16.2 (P < 0.001) and 2.2-3.5 (P < 0.001), %w/w, respectively. The fast foods were very energy dense with calorie content varying from 236.5-281.1 (P < 0.001), Kcal/100 g. The mean values of cholesterol were between 15-17 mg/100 g (P = 0.398). The findings showed that fast foods had high total trans fatty acids content exceeding the Danish legal limit of 2 g/100 g of fat being in the range of 3.5 to 11.3 g per 100 g fat (P = 0.379). Elaidic acid is the predominant trans-isomer in industrially produced trans fatty acids. The concentrations of elaidic acid were high in all samples examined (P = 0.942).Originality/valueThis study has established the fact that fast foods are associated with high total energy intake, high intake of fat, trans fat and a higher proportion of calories being derived from total fat and trans-fat. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the intake of fast food.

Effect of rice bran oil spread on the physical, sensory and fatty acid profile of cake.

Studies were carried out to replace hydrogenated fat (HF) with rice bran oil (RBO) and two varieties of rice bran oil spread RBOS1 and RBOS2 in the preparation of cake. Physico-chemical properties, sensory properties, scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) study and fatty acid estimation with reference to trans fatty acids of cake made with control and experimental samples were studied. The best acceptable cake among the four i.e., RBOS2 cake was selected for consumer evaluation along with control (HF) cake. Results revealed that there was no significant difference in overall acceptability of cake made with HF and RBOS2. The internal structure and pore structure of RBOS2 cake was finer and smoother than the control cake as per SEM imaging. The pores within the core varied in diameter between 13.9 and 29.6µm in control cake and between 16.9 and 58.6µm in RBOS2 cake at 500×magnification indicating good textural properties compared to HF cake. The fatty acids analysis results showed that the amount of total trans fatty acids (TFA) was 15.46% in HF cake, 3.56% in RBO cake, 4.54% in RBOS1 cake, and 3.78% in RBOS2 cake. The major trans fatty acids observed in all samples were elaidic acid (C18:1 trans-9) and Linolelidic acid (C18:2, trans-6). Elaidic acid was the highest in HF cake (6.64%) and the least in RBO cake (2.62%). Linolelidic acid was the highest in HF cake (8.48%) and the least in RBOS2 cake (0.91%). Trans Vaccenic acid was detected only in HF cake (0.34%). TFA content assumes significance in terms of its ill effects on the health of consumers, only if fat content is also high. Hence, consumption of the HF products might prove to be harmful, if consumed in large amounts and at higher frequencies. Therefore RBOS can be promoted as healthy fat for production of baked products.

Industrial Application of Different Heat Treatments and Cream Fat Contents for Improving the Spreadability of Butter.

Individual factors, which interfere in the continuous churning, were manipulated to enhance the rheological properties and chemical composition of butter. This process leads to achieve softer; more spreadable, and ultimately healthier product for consumers. In addition it could prevent hardening of texture especially in winter. Firstly, Pasteurized cream with different fat contents (40 & 45% fat) was passed through heat treatments, and then it was injected to a continuous churn. Textural and melting behavior and fatty acid composition of butter were analyzed. Increasing the fat content of cream (from 40 to 45 %) and holding time (from 3h to 5h) in mid-temperature (18 ºC) and reducing the churning temperature (from 12 ºC to 10 ºC), resulted in soft butter texture and improved butter spreadability. Loss Tangent (tan δ) was increased from 0.11 to 0.74 (T=15 ºC;f=1Hz). The melting temperature of butter was decreased from 36ºC to 32ºC and total trans fatty acid content was decreased from 3.2 % to 1.87 %. It was concluded that such heating process (which has been studied and reported in patents) absorbs the low- SFC fats of the cream, integrates them into the butter texture a softer and more spreadable product.

Are Chinese edible oils safe? A survey of trans fatty acid contents in Chinese edible oils.

Nine different edible oil types from 7 cities in China were analyzed. Trans fatty acid (TFA) contents in edible oils were determined, TFA distribution characteristics were analyzed, and a risk assessment was performed. Total TFA contents varied from 0.075±0.011 to 2.243±0.770 g/100 g of oil, with a mean content of 0.66 g/100 g of oil. TFA contents differed among different oil types and among different cities. Generally speaking, oil samples from northern areas of China contained more TFA, and lard usually had higher levels of TFA than other oils. An exposure assessment showed that the estimated daily intake of TFA from Chinese edible oils was low, and a risk assessment indicated that there was a low risk for TFA consumption in Chinese edible oils.

South African seed oils are safe for human consumption

Objectives: A diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates is advocated in the recently published The Real Meal Revolution. A suggestion was made in this publication that seed oils are toxic. The authors stated that available seed oils on the South African market were high in trans-fatty acid (TFA), as well as being genetically modified, and thus should be avoided. We compared three oils, i.e. canola, sunflower and olive oil, against internationally accepted standards, to determine the quality of these oils using gaschromatographic analysis, to determine whether or not there was any foundation to the statement pertaining to the toxicity of South African seed oils. Reported parameters included the fatty acid profile, TFA content, peroxide level and conjugated diene (CD) content.Design: Samples were purchased from local retail stores. Two independent researchers de-identified the oils, and stored them in numbered containers under nitrogen until commencement of the analysis. Hence, a blind sample of oils was received.Outcome measures: Twelve (n = 12) olive oil, 15 (n = 15) canola oil and 7 (n = 7) sunflower oil samples were subjected to analysis. CD and peroxide levels were conducted spectrophotometrically, and fatty acid content determined by gas liquid chromatography.Results: The total TFA content of the three types of sampled oils was below 0.5%, and the peroxide (meq O /kg) and CD levels (µmol/g) were within allowable limits, as described in the Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils, as well as previous publications.Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the South African seed oils included in this analysis contained a negligible amount of TFA, adhered to international recommendations with respect to fatty acid content, and were well within the safe range for oxidation products. Therefore, the statement that South African seed oils are toxic is inaccurate, unscientific and without merit.

Trans fatty acids in the Portuguese food market

Consistent evidence exist on the harmful health effects of industrial trans fatty acids (TFA). In order to have accurate data on TFA intake and implement adequate measures to reduce their intake, each country should have updated estimates of TFA content in the diet. The objective of the present study was to provide data on the TFA content in food commercialized in the Portuguese market. The results on the TFA content of 268 samples acquired between October and December 2013 are reported. Samples were categorized as margarines and shortenings (n = 16), spreadable chocolate fats (n = 6), fried potatoes and chips (n = 25), industrial bakery (n = 4), breakfast cereals (n = 3), pastry products (n = 120), seasonings (n = 5), instant soups (n = 5), instant desserts (n = 6), chocolate snacks (n = 4), microwave popcorn (n = 4), cookies, biscuits and wafers (n = 53), and fast-food (n = 13), with butter (n = 4) included for comparison purposes. TFA were quantified by gas chromatography. Total TFA content in the fat ranged from 0.06% to 30.2% (average 1.9%), with the highest average values in the “biscuits, wafers and cookies” group (3.4% TFA), followed by the pastry group (2.0%). Fifty samples (19%) had TFA superior to 2% in the fat. These findings highlight there is still much need for improvement in terms of the TFA content in Portuguese foods, particularly in traditional pastry.

Assessment of Trans Fatty Acid Level in French Fries from Various Fast Food Outlets in Karachi, Pakistan

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to determine the trans fat level in French fries sold in different fast food outlets in Karachi. In the present study, attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the quantification of trans fatty acid (TFA). A number of studies have been reported on trans fat in different regions of the world, but no categorical study has yet discussed the trans fat in fast food products in Karachi. Amongst the samples examined, the total trans fatty acid content was in the range of 0.11 ± 0.01–24.00 ± 0.25 %. Most of the samples contain a high percentage of TFA. There is an urgent need to monitor and regulate the level of trans fat in order to reduce the health risk to the consumers of fast food items in Karachi, Pakistan.

Trans fatty acid content in Malaysian supermarket foods: a field-to-laboratory approach in assessing food risk

The extent of industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) in the food supply is unknown in Malaysia, whilst TFA disclosure on food labels is not mandatory by Malaysian food standards. Supermarket foods such as dairy products, fats and oils, meat products, snack foods, soups, and confectionery are commonly cited to be major contributors of TFA in the diet. A consumer survey (n = 622) was used to develop a food listing of these ‘high risk’ foods. TFA content of high-risk foods were analysed by gas chromatography. Food samples (n = 158) were analysed and their total TFA content were compared with Malaysian Food Standards. A wide variation in TFA content within food categories was indicated. Of the foods containing TFA, many food labels did not cite TFA content or the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO) as an ingredient. Hypothesised estimates of TFA intake from these supermarket foods in a sample day’s menu providing 2000 kcal projected a minimum intake of 0.5 g and a maximum intake of 5.2 g TFA. This study found there was no voluntary disclosure of TFA content on food labels or identifying PHVO as an ingredient. It appears that health education targeting consumers to minimise TFA consumption is required supported by mandatory PHVO disclosure on the food label.