WHO Urges Global Action Against Trans-Fat: Progress and Challenges Revealed

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent action against trans-fat in food,revealing that nearly half of the world’s population is now covered by strict rules limiting transfat. The initial goal set in 2018 to eliminate industrially produced fatty acids worldwide by 2023 has been extended to 2025.

Currently, 53 countries, covering 46% of the global population, are implementing best practice policies, a significant increase from 2018. WHO estimates that these policies have saved around 183,000 lives annually. Seven countries, including Egypt, Mexico, and the Philippines, successfully implemented best practice policies in 2023.

WHO Chief, Mr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the lack of known harmful effects of trans fat. Countries like Denmark, Lithuania, and Poland were among the first to receive certificates from WHO for efforts to eliminate industrially produced trans-fatty acids. Certified countries must uphold best practices with rigorous monitoring and enforcement systems. The elimination of trans fats is crucial in reducing cardiovascular diseases, the leading global cause of death.