Through a notification dated 2 February 2017 the FSSAI has issued directions related to declaration of class title, trans fat content and saturated fat content on the labels of food products.
On 25 May 2016, the FSSAI had issued a notification which had stated that the compliance date for a maximum limit of trans fatty acids as well as label declarations for class titles, trans fat content and saturated fats on food products would be 27 February 2017. However, the FSSAI has now received a number of representations regarding the practical difficulties faced by edible oil and fat industry in this regard. The problem is that FBOs are facing some practical issues in declaring the exact quantity of saturated fat and trans fat content. Exact quantity is difficult to declare because of the variation in different batches, multiple sourcing of crude oils, seasonal availability of oil and variation in fatty acid profile in different climatic conditions.
The purpose of the regulation is to restrict the quantity of saturated fat and trans fat which should not exceed the maximum limit of 5% on food products. Therefore, the FSSAI has advised enforcement officials not to take punitive action if the values of saturated fat and trans fat are found to be less than the value declared on the label. This will be applicable for every package of edible vegetable oils like mustard, groundnut etc., interesterified vegetable fat, both hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, edible fats, margarine and fat spreads (mixed fat spread and vegetable fat spread) and package of food in which fats, oils, and fat emulsions are used as an ingredient and where the quantity of trans fat content and saturated fat content needs to be declared on the label.
The FSSAI has set the maximum level of trans fatty acids to 5% in food products as fatty acids are known to increase LDC (bad) cholesterol in the blood. An increase in LDC cholesterol can lead to coronary heart disease. Consumers must have foods that have reduced levels of trans fatty acids and information for which they can get from the labels. The nutritional information will enable the consumer to make the right choice of foods especially if they are in the heart disease risk group.
B.ANANTHARAMAN says
Updates on developments and statuary regulations are needed and useful for compliance.
FSH Team says
Thanks for sharing your views. Keep writing for comments & suggestions.