Call to move away from iTFAs

Experts say trans fatty acids found in baked & fried goods pose serious health hazards

ISLAMABAD:

A symposium was held in the federal capital on the health hazards of trans fatty acids (TFAs), where experts stressed the need for stakeholders’ engagement and capacity building of regulators to enforce harmonised standards to counter its hazards.

TFAs are fatty acids that are naturally occurring in meat and dairy products, whereas iTFAs are produced after hydrogenation and are mainly found in bakery products, and frozen and refrigerated items.

The symposium titled, ‘Reducing Industrial Trans Fatty Acids (iFTAs)’ in Pakistan was jointly organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Cargill Pakistan.

Islamabad Food Regulatory Authority Deputy Director, Dr Tahira Siddiqui, in her presentation, said “Pakistan is the second highest consumer of iTFAs in the world as after petroleum products, its edible oil imports were the largest, worth $4.3 billion.”

Stressing the need to ensure dialogue between industry and technical experts to shift from iTFAs, she said, “Industries need to come up with alternatives to iTFAs in their production process and when choosing raw materials. For this purpose, they can be given incentives to promote a shift from iTFAs towards embracing alternatives.” She added that it is a complex challenge to eradicate iTFAs, however it can be achieved by adopting efficient policies, and multifaceted approaches to engage all stakeholders.

Tehzeeb Bakers Consultant Saqib said there is no facility for the isomerisation of edible oils in Pakistan, which means that iTFAs control is only possible through controlled processing, and proper selection of raw materials that come from vegetable sources.

“Most of our food is unregulated street food. Since the TFAs are drivers of many serious diseases, food authorities must regulate street food,” added Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Food Safety Expert Dr Zafar.

During his talk, SDPI Executive Director, Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri emphasised that multisectoral dialogues are required for managing dynamic issues like the injurious impact of iTFAs on health. He said that the prime areas of focus in terms of food security are the availability, affordability, accessibility, and nourishment value of food items.

“While the West is grappling with the crisis of malnourishment leading to obesity, Pakistan tackles the challenges of a different public lifestyle owing to its economic situation and culture,” he explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th 2024.