s we step into 2024, it is important to reflect on the global health challenges that persistently afflict our societies. Among them, the World Health Organisation’s important call to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fats (iTFAs) from our food sources by the end of 2023 stands out prominently. This is specifically important given the fact that Pakistan did not meet the WHO deadline of limiting trans-fatty acids to two per cent across all food products.

Trans-fats have long been recognised as a significant public health concern linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease and other serious health issues. These unhealthy fats, often found in partially hydrogenated oils, have been proven to raise levels of “bad” cholesterol while simultaneously lowering levels of “good” cholesterol. The WHO’s initiative to regulate trans-fats globally is grounded in the understanding that such dietary adjustments can significantly reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases and save countless lives.

To Pakistan’s credit, in 2023, the country regulated TFAs in certain food categories, such as banaspati ghee, cooking oils, bakery wares and bakery shortenings. However, the oversight in regulating street foods, dairy products and ultra-processed edibles is a cause for concern. Many commonly consumed food items, including pasta, noodles, fried snacks, ice-creams, chocolates and street foods like jalebi, samosas, pakoras, etc, continue to harbour high levels of trans-fats, posing a serious risk to the health of the Pakistani population.

The consequences of not meeting the WHO deadline are dire. Failing to reduce and eventually eliminate iTFAs in a timely manner jeopardises the health of millions of Pakistanis, potentially leading to a surge in the already large burden of cardiovascular diseases and related health complications. The economic cost of treating these preventable conditions threatens to strain an already overburdened healthcare system.

In the face of these sobering facts, Pakistan has no choice but to expand the regulatory framework to cover all foods and ensure rigorous compliance across the food industry – without any further delay. As the success of any public health initiative depends on the collaboration between government bodies, civil society, consumers and the food industry, the government must take a proactive role in engaging with key stakeholders and regulating all foods to set a limit of iTFA no more than two percent of the total fats or oils.

International collaboration can provide valuable insights and support in implementing effective strategies. Learning from the experience of countries that adopted best practice policies and successfully eliminated iTFAs can expedite the process and enhance the effectiveness of Pakistan’s efforts. It is essential to draw inspiration from such success stories as those of Egypt, the Philippines, Denmark, Brazil, Argentina, India and Saudi Arabia. Once at the top of the list for TFA consumption, Egypt has successfully achieved the regulation, showcasing that regulating iTFAs – no matter how daunting the odds might seem – is indeed possible. The Egyptian example serves as both motivation and a blueprint for nations like Pakistan, demonstrating that with strategic planning and concerted efforts, the goal of eliminating trans fats is attainable.

Civil society organisations have been advocating and pushing for more stringent regulations. For instance, the TRANSFORM Pakistan Campaign launched by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates with the patronage of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator echoes the urgency of iTFA regulation. Other civil society actors such as the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives and HeartFile have also been at the forefront, demanding mandatory regulation by the government that limits the presence of iTFAs to 2gm per 100gms of fat across all food sources and other food items. While these civil society actors can work closely with the government and provide technical support on adopting the best practice policies, the ultimate discretion – and, by extension, onus – lies with the government.

The government is the primary architect of policies and regulations that shape the nation’s health landscape, making it the single most important stakeholder when it comes to translating ideals into actions. In the case of iTFAs, given the alarming rise in cardiovascular diseases linked in part to TFA consumption, it is not just a matter of meeting international deadlines. It is, in fact, a question of public health, economic sustainability and the overall well-being of the Pakistani nation.

As we enter 2024, there is no room for further delays. The WHO deadline is a clear mandate, and meeting it is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation to prioritise the health and well-being of our citizens. Setting a two per cent limit on iTFAs across all food sources, instead of selective food categories, is the way forward to tackle the silent killer. Industrially produced trans-fats that are lurking in almost every food item that we consume need the immediate attention of policymakers to save thousands of lives every year.

The writer is the deputy director for standards and accreditation at the Punjab Food Authority