In a significant public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Thailand as one of five nations that have successfully eradicated trans-fatty acids from their food industry. This milestone follows a concerted effort by Thai authorities, including the implementation of a ban on industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) in 2019, according to Lertchai Lertwut, deputy secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The dangers of trans-fatty acids, which are linked to a 28% increased risk of heart and coronary artery disease, have been well-documented through scientific research. In Thailand, heart disease is a leading cause of mortality, contributing to approximately 60,000 of the 500,000 deaths recorded each year. This stark reality underscores the importance of the “Thailand is Free of iTFA” campaign, initiated in 2019 by the FDA in collaboration with the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University. The campaign sought to eliminate the production, importation, and distribution of foods containing partially hydrogenated oils, which are a primary source of trans fats.
Thailand’s rigorous approach to eradicating trans fats and raising public awareness about their harmful effects has drawn praise from the WHO. The organization highlighted that Thailand is the only country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to have adopted a comprehensive policy banning iTFA, in accordance with WHO’s best practices guidelines.
Lertchai emphasized that the FDA will maintain vigilant oversight of the food industry to ensure continued compliance with the trans fat ban. He noted that these efforts are also aimed at bolstering the credibility of Thailand’s food industry and enhancing its economic prospects, reported Bangkok Post.
Thailand joins Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Saudi Arabia in receiving the WHO’s inaugural certificates of recognition for progress in eliminating iTFA. These countries have been acknowledged for their proactive measures in combating a substance that, while present in two forms—industrially produced and naturally occurring—poses significant health risks.
It was reported that 53 countries globally have implemented best-practice policies to combat trans fats, thereby improving the food environment for 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the world’s population. Just five years ago, this figure stood at a mere 6%. These policies are projected to save approximately 183,000 lives annually.
Trans-fatty acids, often found in foods such as fried items, cakes, and ready meals, offer no known health benefits and are commonly associated with high levels of sugar, fat, and salt. The continued global efforts to eliminate these harmful substances represent a critical step towards improving public health outcomes worldwide
