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In a landmark report released on Monday, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a total of 53 countries have implemented best practice policies to combat industrial trans fats in food. This progress has dramatically improved the food environment for 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the world’s population.
This achievement marks a significant increase from 2018 when only six percent of the global population, less than half a billion people, were protected by such policies. The WHO initially set the ambitious target of eliminating all trans fats from the global food supply by the end of 2023.
“Trans fat elimination is attainable, affordable, and life-saving, and WHO remains committed to supporting Member States in their journeys towards this goal,” stated Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO.
The Dangers of Trans Fats
Trans fats, or trans-fatty acids, are known to clog arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and death. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with more than 278,000 deaths per year attributed to the intake of industrially produced trans fats, according to the WHO.
Given these severe health impacts, the advancements made thus far could potentially save approximately 183,000 lives annually. However, progress has been unequal, with the highest remaining burden concentrated in the WHO Africa and Western Pacific Regions. The new report highlights country actions to ban this harmful substance and offers recommendations to achieve global trans fat elimination.
Regional and Global Progress
Remarkable progress has been observed across various regions towards the WHO’s goal of eliminating industrially produced trans fats. These harmful chemicals are found in many fried foods, baked goods, vegetable shortenings, and margarines.
In 2023 alone, seven countries—Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine—enacted new best practice policies. Additionally, in January 2024, the WHO awarded five countries the Validation Certificate for progress in eliminating industrially produced trans fats: Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
Despite these positive trends, more than four billion people worldwide remain unprotected from industrial trans fats, predominantly in the WHO African and Western Pacific Regions. Implementing best practice policies in just eight additional countries could eliminate 90% of global deaths associated with this harmful ingredient.
“Beyond passing WHO-recommended best practice trans fat policies, ensuring that compliance with these policies is monitored and enforced will be critical to achieve maximized and sustained health benefits of trans fat elimination,” added Dr. Branca.
New WHO Commitments
The WHO’s new report underscores the organization’s commitment to global trans fat elimination. The report urges all countries to enact best practice policies and to enhance monitoring and enforcement to qualify for the WHO Validation Certificate.
Furthermore, the WHO calls on food manufacturers to eliminate trans fats from their product lines and supply chains, even in regions where regulations are not yet in place. This proactive approach aims to expedite the global eradication of industrially produced trans fats, thereby safeguarding millions of lives.
As the world moves closer to achieving this public health milestone, the WHO remains steadfast in its efforts to support countries in their fight against trans fats, ensuring a healthier future for all.
