
The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) Regulations, 2011 specifies that “Food Products in which edible oils and fats are used as an ingredient shall not contain industrial trans fatty acids more than 2% by mass of the total oils/fats present in the product”, which is effective on and from 01st January, 2022.
Notably, Industrial Trans Fatty Acids is a subcategory of unsaturated fatty acids, which are processed artificially through the hydrogenation method. It is jeopardizing our health as the unrestricted intake could lead to severe health issues such as heart attacks, coronary heart disease type 2 diabetes and many other diseases.
Subsequently, FSSAI has issued directions dated 07.01.2021, wherein it was clarified that the said limit of TFA not more than 2% by weight shall be enforced only on products manufactured on or after 1st January, 2022 and not before the said date.
As the enforcement date is round the corner, the FSSAI has requested all the Commissioners of Food Safety of States/UTs and Central Licensing Authorities to carry out a 100% inspection drive of all such units which are licensed for manufacture/processing of vegetable oils/fats under their respective jurisdiction and check for compliance of the products being manufactured through surveillance samples.
It is pivotal to submit reports to FSSAI HQ by 20th January 2022
The World Health Organization (WHO), which has launched a major campaign to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fat from national food supplies by 2023, opines that “trans-fat intake is responsible for approximately 500,000 premature deaths from coronary heart disease each year around the world.
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