Trans fatty acids, part II
Legal regulations
Trans fatty acids are a topic where it pays to look at both the packaging and the law. Based on the results of large-scale epidemiological studies, regulations on the industrial use of trans fatty acids have been introduced in several countries. Denmark has banned the use of partially hydrogenated fats in the food industry since 2003. Switzerland introduced a regulation similar to Denmark’s in 2008. Canada and the USA require the trans fatty acid content to be shown on food labels. In the United Kingdom, most of the larger supermarket chains and manufacturers have voluntarily begun listing the trans fatty acid content in the ingredients list on product packaging.
In the Republic of Estonia, food content labeling is regulated by Government of the Republic Regulation No. 324 “Requirements for food labeling and the procedure for labeling and otherwise providing information” [RT I 2004, 63, 442], which requires the use of hydrogenated vegetable fats to be stated in the ingredients list on the product packaging, while there is no obligation to state on the label whether the product contains vegetable fats or not (instead, “hydrogenated vegetable fat”, “vegetable oil” or the like may be used). It is prohibited to add artificial trans fatty acids to dairy products in the dairy industry. For example, the curd mass of a curd snack must not contain artificial trans fatty acids. The glaze on it, however, may contain them. If an agreement has been reached with the Consumer Protection Board on the use of trans fats in the curd mass of curd snacks, the label no longer uses the name “kohuke” but “kohupiimadessert” (curd dessert). The same applies to ice cream. A product called “cream ice cream” or “plombir” must not contain trans fats, but a product called “ice cream”, “berry ice cream” or the like may.
The hydrogenated fatty acid content stated on the label does point to the saturated fatty acid content, but not directly to the trans fatty acid content. To make a health-conscious decision, it is advisable to read the food label before buying a product. On that basis, consumers can choose whether or not to buy it. Foods that list hydrogenated vegetable fat among their ingredients contain saturated fatty acids and may also contain trans fatty acids. For imported goods, look in the ingredients list for the English wording “trans-fat”, “trans fatty acids” or “partially hydrogenated fatty acids”.
Trans fatty acids in today’s Estonian food industry
The Estonian food industry uses trans fats in the production of both ice cream and curd snacks, as well as in confectionery. Bakeries mainly use baking margarines, which are a complex product compared with vegetable fat. Manufacturers monitor the fatty acid composition of trans fats so that their products are acceptable to consumers in terms of both taste and healthfulness. Manufacturers commission fatty acid testing themselves, and spot checks are carried out by the Veterinary and Food Board.
Summary
It is important to make sure your nutrition is balanced and that you don’t overdo fats, carbohydrates or protein. Keep in mind, too, that the keywords of healthy eating are variety and moderation. But that is not all – every little detail affects healthy eating, and with it the length, health and appearance of our own lives.
In a world built on capital, everything is converted into money. The same can be said of trans fatty acids: their production by humans is tied to making money and boosting profit in the food production process. They give us an example of how long shelf life and low prices in retail have been bought at the expense of people’s health. Now that the topic of “trans fatty acids” has attracted at least some media attention, perhaps people will start looking at other potentially harmful foods as well and find out what they are eating.
If a person keeps watch over their own health, it is hard to find a doctor who knows better than they do what is good for it. //Socrates
Author: Eleri Õisma
Source: Turg.Fitness.ee
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