Trans fatty acid elimination policy in member states of the Eurasian Economic Union: implementation challenges and capacity for enforcement

Demin, A., Løge, B., Zhiteneva, O., Nishida, C., Whiting, S., Rippin, H., Delles, C. , Karymbaeva, S., Wickramasinghe, K. and Breda, J. (2020) Trans fatty acid elimination policy in member states of the Eurasian Economic Union: implementation challenges and capacity for enforcement. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 22(8), pp. 1328-1337. (doi: 10.1111/jch.13945) (PMID:32677762)

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Abstract

Removing trans fatty acids (TFAs) from the food supply in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are one of the most effective public health interventions for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. EAEU Member States have taken important steps to reduce TFA in oil and fat products to <2% of the total fat content. The authors summarize existing policies in the region, identify challenges in implementation, and suggest measures to strengthen regulation to achieve compliance with WHO guidelines. Documents published between 2011 and 2019 in Russian and English were reviewed, including EAEU and Member State restrictions on TFA in food products, data on TFA content in foods, and food labeling policies. The EAEU has established TFA limits in oil and fat products; however, Member States are currently not achieving the WHO guideline of <2% of total fat content in food products. A lack of harmonized monitoring systems and sanctions create challenges in monitoring compliance. The authors recommend developing an EAEU‐wide monitoring system to test TFA content and organize population intake surveys. Discrepancies exist within regulatory frameworks that allow higher levels of TFAs in dairy products and infant formula. The authors recommend extending the current regulation to mandate TFA limits for all food products. Research found that strengthening regulation to meet the WHO guidelines should be prioritized. Member States should implement actions to replace TFAs with healthier fats, develop standardized surveillance methods, and scale‐up strategic communication to ensure the food industry and the public follow public health recommendations to protect the health of the EAEU population.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Resolve to Save Lives is funded by grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and Gates Philanthropy Partners, which is funded with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Delles, Professor Christian
Authors: Demin, A., Løge, B., Zhiteneva, O., Nishida, C., Whiting, S., Rippin, H., Delles, C., Karymbaeva, S., Wickramasinghe, K., and Breda, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Journal of Clinical Hypertension
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1524-6175
ISSN (Online):1751-7176
Published Online:17 July 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:Journal of Clinical Hypertension 22(8): 1328-1337
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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