Trans fats – domestic and global trends

Trans Fats raise the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower the HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It is the predominate fat found in dairy and meat products. Trans fatty acids are also found in manufactured food items such as some fried foods, pies, biscuits and confectionary. The use of trans fats in these products increases shelf life. Trans fats are also in certain cooking oils that have undergone an industrial super-heating process which strengthens the time it can be used for frying.

There is a global trend to ‘ban’ trans fats being industrially produced. The fact of the matter is that trans fats occur naturally in foods such as meat and dairy. It is not possible to ‘ban’ these fats from the landscape. Most health experts believe that a more sensible goal is to aim to ‘restrict’ or ‘minimise’ these fats in our diet. A ban on the use of industrial produced trans fatty acids is a more realistic goal.

‘Bans’ or restrictions are already in place overseas. In the United States, for example, a ban on trans fats was placed on New York restaurants last year. Boston and Chicago are considering similar moves, while California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had it signed into law this month. In a press release, Schwarzenegger declared the US state of California ‘free of trans fatty acids.’

The European Union is also on the move with similar plans.

As early as 2004, Denmark ‘banned’ trans fats. This, in reality, was a limit of two per cent imposed on imported foods and foods manufactured in Denmark.

Here in Australia, there is a trend to do likewise with state politicians and local councils leading the charge.

Sydney’s Kogarah Council has moved to ban the use of synthetic trans fatty acids (trans fats) in new food outlets. Greens MP John Kaye is one such State politician who believes it is now time to act. Mr Kaye said: “Trans fatty acids are unnecessary, they carry no additional nutritional value and they could easily be eradicated. The cost of eradication is relatively low, the benefit is in saving lives.”

The Greens have introduced a bill to NSW’s Upper House which would require the labelling of all food products in which trans fats are present. The Food Amendment (Trans Fatty Acids Eradication) Bill 2008 also calls for a 12 month transition to a statewide ban, and Mr Kaye is urging the Government and other MPs to support the bill.

Imposing such restrictions appears to be problematic in enforcement.

Anne-Marie Mackintosh, Nutrient Standard and Regulatory Affairs Manager of The National Heart Foundation has her concerns. “The Problem with ‘banning’ or restricting trans fats is an auditing problem – to prove trans fat content food needs to be analysed -you just  can’t tell from taste and smell. Like all laboratory procedures it is a costly process. So widespread enforcement is not only costly but is complicated in a whole range of logistical ways.”

In many overseas countries, it is mandatory to declare trans fats. Declarations have been in place in the USA, Canada and Korea for some time. Currently, in Australia, it is not mandatory to declare trans fats. While organisations like The National Heart Foundation lobby Government to ‘get with the program’ it seems to be slow-going.

The National Heart Foundation has been a strong advocate in this arena and its  successful Tick for Health program requires participating manufacturers to declare trans fats in packaging.

Oils such as Crisco, Tuscan Blend and Sunoil have all earned The National Heart Foundation Tick of Approval. A Tick approved food means it is a healthier choice when compared to similar foods. The Tick must be earned by proving it is a genuinely healthier choice. Only once the food company has met all The Heart Foundation’s strict nutrition standards, does it qualify for the Tick. Regular auditing ensures Tick standards are being maintained.

However, the Food Standards Code of Australia has ‘triggers’ that go in part to having a transparent declaration system. Any claims of nutrition content on packaging must also declare trans fat content.

According to Marie Mackintosh, while hysteria and publicity surrounding the trans fat debate is a good thing in raising awareness, it also takes away from the spotlight health issues relating to consumption of other unhealthy oils. “It is great that we have a higher level of awareness of the dangers of trans fats,” she said. “And it seems Governments around the world are shifting to a positive position in the eradication of manufactured trans fats. Let’s not forget the health issues relating to consumption of other unhealthy oils such as saturated fats in this country.”

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