New European legislation – Regulation (EU) 2019/649 – sets strict limits on the trans-fat content of foods.
In particular, according to the new Regulation, the trans-fat content (excluding trans-fats that are natural components of fat of animal origin) in foods intended for the final consumer and in foods intended for supply to retailers must not exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of fat. Compliance of food businesses with regard to trans fats must be completed by 1 April 2021.
Trans-fat is a type of unsaturated fatty acid. In nature, trans fats are present in small amounts in milk and meat fat from ruminants (3% – 8% of total fat), but their impact on public health is relatively small. In contrast, oils that have been partially hydrogenated for purely technological purposes may contain trans fats (‘industrially produced’ trans fats) in much higher quantities.
The issue of trans fats is not new to the international scientific community. The detrimental effects of industrially produced trans fatty acids on the cardiovascular system are now beyond dispute. Trans fats increase blood serum levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), while lowering levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). In fact, the risk of cardiovascular disease per gram of trans fatty acid intake is four to five times higher compared to the same amount of saturated fats. At the same time, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), high dietary intake of trans fats has been associated with other negative effects. For these reasons, the elimination of industrially produced trans fats has been one of the priorities of the WHO, the European Union and national bodies in recent years.
Although significant steps have been taken by the food industry to reduce industrially produced trans fats in food, new legislation in the European Union is helping to eliminate these fats.
A survey by EFET of a nationally representative sample of Greeks on adults’ knowledge and attitudes towards trans fats shows that most consumers have never heard of the term trans fats. For this reason and based on the new legislation, EFET informs Greek consumers with the following information chart on trans fats.
For more information click on the link below:
http://www.efet.gr/images/old_efet/infographic_FINAL_web.pdf
www.olivenews.gr
