[JAN] FSSAI slashes limit for transfat levels in foods Flashcards
Context?
The amount of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5% through an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations.
Why this step?
WHO”approximately 5.4 lakh deaths take place each year globally because of the intake of industrially produced trans fatty acids.”
The new rules are made applicable to the edible refined oils, vanaspati (partially hydrogenated oils), margarine, bakery shortenings, and other cooking media like vegetable fat spreads and mixed fat spreads.
What is transfat?
All natural fats and oils are a combination of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids.
The human body requirements are met by the first two categories of ‘healthy’ fats as apart from being a major source of energy, they aid absorbing some vitamins and minerals and build cell membranes and the sheaths surrounding nerves.
above described fats are free-flowing, unlike saturated fatty acids or trans fats, which are considered harmful as they clog arteries and result in hypertension, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.
- largely produced artificially but a small amount also occurs naturally.
- Artificial TFAs are formed when hydrogen is made to react with the oil to produce fats resembling pure ghee/butter.
-sources of artificial TFAs
1. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO)/vanaspati/ margarine
Artificial trans fats are created through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid, enhance their shelf life, and for use as an adulterant as they are cheap.
-They are widely found in baked and fried foods as well as adulterated ghee, which becomes solid at room temperature.
- natural TFAs
1. meats and dairy products, though in small amounts.
Molecular structure?
https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fats.jpg
Actions taken by India & world?
- global health body in 2018, called for the elimination of industrially produced TFAs by 2023 and issued a detailed step-by-step guide called ‘REPLACE’ to help countries frame policies.
