n a world where health consciousness is on the rise, the importance of understanding what we consume cannot be overstated. Recently, a report disseminated by Heartfile shed light on a critical issue plaguing Pakistan’s food industry: the prevalence of industrially produced trans-fats (iTFAs) in various dietary sources. This report, a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Heartfile and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to address this health concern.

Trans fats, known for their harmful effects on cardiovascular health, are present in a variety of food items consumed daily by Pakistanis. The TFA assessment done by the PCSIR used advanced methodologies, including gas chromatography, to assess trans-fat content in popular food products across the country. The findings reveal a concerning reality: while some products adhere to acceptable trans-fat levels, many exceed recommended limits, posing a significant risk to public health.

Among the products analysed, banaspati ghee emerged as a major contributor to trans-fat intake. While some brands keep trans-fat levels within permissible limits, several other brands surpass the WHO-proposed limit of less than 2gm of trans-fat in every 100gm of fats. In some cases the ratio was as high as 14.47 grams per 100 grams of total fatty acids. The banaspati ghee manufacturing industry is striving to achieve the standard specifications. Two-thirds of banaspati ghee samples were found to be in the permissible trans-fat content range prescribed by the WHO. The remaining exceeded this limit and require regulatory intervention.

Similarly, industrial shortening, commonly used in bakery and restaurant foods, contained alarming iTFA content, with levels in some samples found at a high of 15.31 grams per 100 grams of total fatty acids. Tea whiteners, a staple in many households, given the high levels of tea consumption in Pakistan, also contribute significantly to trans-fat intake due to the presence of hydrogenated palm oil being produced in the country. Despite efforts to mitigate trans-fat levels, most tea whiteners analysed in the study contained levels exceeding the recommended threshold. These should also be required to redesign their formulation using TFA-compliant fat ingredients.

Additionally, products such as mayonnaise, ice cream and chocolates, while generally containing safe trans-fat levels, sometimes exceeded the limits. Some mayonnaise samples were found to contain 2.54 grams of trans-fat per 100 grams of total fatty acids; some ice cream samples contained 1.55 grams and some chocolates 3.78 grams. These products still require vigilant regulation to ensure that they do not pose a health risk for the consumers.

The high iTFA content in banaspati ghee and bakery shortenings is particularly alarming, especially considering that in June 2023, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority issued a regulatory order partially covering certain food categories, imposing a mandatory limit of less than 2 percent iTFA in both banaspati ghee and bakery shortenings.

There is thus a need for the PSQCA to ensure that apart from the items already brought under regulation in 2023, comprehensive regulation is introduced to ensures that all food items across Pakistan are mandated to adhere to the WHO-recommended limit of 2gm of industrially produced trans-fat in every 100gm of fat.

Public awareness campaigns, such as TRANSFORM Pakistan initiated by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates to mobilise policy support, play a crucial role in creating an environment to adopt the best practice policy in Pakistan and educating consumers about the risks associated with trans fats, and encouraging healthier dietary choices. Some organisations, including Heartfile, Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Global Health Advocacy Incubator and the MoNHSR&C have put their weight behind this campaign to ensure that consumers are not merely empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions but also feel encouraged to demand mandatory governmental regulations to protect their food from iTFA.

Moving forward, concerted efforts are required from both regulators and all stakeholders to address the trans-fat challenge effectively. Setting and enforcing strict limits on trans-fat content in food products is paramount to safeguarding public health. Furthermore, collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and civil society organisations is imperative to drive meaningful change. By working together, we can create a food environment that prioritises health and well-being, ensuring a healthier future for all Pakistanis.

Addressing the prevalence of trans fats in our food supply chain is not a matter of choice; it is a public health imperative. Through concerted action, we can build a healthier, more resilient Pakistan for generations to come.

The writer is the chief executive officer of Heartfile. She can be reached at saba@heartfile.org