Canadian task force targets trans fats

	Tweet

A Canadian government task force is recommending strict regulation to reduce the amount of harmful trans fats in foods.

The Trans Fat Task Force believes the risk of coronary heart disease can be significantly reduced through reduced consumption of industrial trans fats, which are used to extend the shelf life of many foods, especially baked and fried products.

In recent years evidence of the harmful effects of trans fats has been accumulating worldwide and in 2003 Denmark became the first country to regulate them. 

Trans fats from sources other than meats and dairy products are now restricted in Denmark to a total of two per cent of fat content.

The Canadian task force is calling for limits of two per cent of the total fat content in soft, spreadable tub-type margarines and five per cent in all other foods containing industrially produced trans fats.

The proposed regulations apply to processed foods and those served in restaurants, with staged deadlines taking into account the different circumstances of each type of business.

Canada imposed mandatory labelling last year, and the food industry has already moved to eliminate trans fats from many products.

The regulations would be developed over the next two years, with the food industry granted an extension of two years to comply.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) has recognised the need to reduce the levels of trans fatty acids in the Canadian diet and has published a new guide to help its members apply the limits proposed.

The guide ‘How to Reduce or Eliminate Trans Fat in Menu Items’ contains background information on trans fat and instructions on how to reduce or eliminate them.

CRFA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Joyce Reynolds says there is a high degree of commitment in the industry to reduce or eliminate trans fat, but it is not a simple process.

Canadian restaurant companies are working to eliminate trans fat and more restaurant chains are providing detailed nutrition information to their customers.

Reynolds says while the Task Force has focused on the health impacts of lowering trans fat levels, more work is required to examine the business, agriculture and trade impact of the Task Force recommendations.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association is one of Canada’s largest business associations.

RELATED STORIES:
Obesity is associated with reduced sensitivity to fat   Abdominal Obesity Linked to Lower Total Brain Volume in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults   Role of dietary fat in eye disease complex   Baby Fat May Not Be So Cute After All   When Overeating, Calories, Not Protein, Contribute to Increase in Body Fat   U.S. says WTO biotech challenge against EU remains   America’s hatred of fat hurts obesity fight   Check For 2 Fish Oils That Matter Most   Whole Grains = Whole Health   Obese kids more prone to bully, be bullied   Beware of “fat dissolving” spa treatments: FDA   California teens eat fewer calories in school

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]