artial hydrogenation of oils is a chemical process used to modify the properties of vegetable oils, typically to make them solid or semi-solid at room temperature to extend their shelf life. The process results in the production of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs). Research has shown a link between the use of iTFAs and a number of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer.

Food items, such as baked goods, fried foods, margarine and various processed foods are rich in iTFAs typically introduced through PHOs. Awareness is growing around the link between iTFAs and life-threatening conditions, and many in Pakistan are realising the urgent need to align the country’s food safety standards on iTFAs with WHO recommended best practice policy.

The World Health Organisation had set a goal to eliminate iTFAs from the global food supply, recommending that states implement policies to achieve this target by 2023. Many countries have already responded, either by imposing a two per cent iTFA limit of total fats on all foods, or banning PHOs outright. Pakistan has also initiated steps in this direction. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has developed a National Action Plan for the Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids by 2030. However, if Pakistan is serious about achieving its public health goals and protecting the population from this silent killer present in everyday foods, it should adopt a comprehensive, hybrid approach. This would involve setting a mandatory national iTFA limit of 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat in all foods. Additionally, Pakistan should impose a complete ban on the production of partially hydrogenated oils, with enforcement carried out by provincial food safety regulatory bodies.

The World Health Organisation estimates that eliminating iTFAs could prevent 17 million deaths worldwide by 2030. In Pakistan — where cardiovascular disease alone claims over 200,000 lives annually — a ban on PHOs alongside iTFA limits could vastly reduce the incidence of heart disease and improve overall life expectancy. The advantages of a comprehensive, hybrid approach are manifold. First, it would not only eliminate the production of iTFAs but also reduce the burden on food regulatory authorities, who would otherwise have to closely monitor iTFA levels in numerous food products while at the same time regulating industry compliance. Second, a legislative ban on PHOs aligns with global standards, ensuring that Pakistan keeps pace with its neighbours and avoids potential trade limitations in the future. A ban on PHOs would also align Pakistan with WHO guidelines, promoting international best practices and reinforcing public health.

By championing a stronger policy that combines iTFA regulatory limits with a legislative PHO ban, Pakistan can move decisively toward a healthier, trans-fats-free future.

This shift requires collaboration across regulatory bodies at both the provincial and federal levels. Provincial food authorities can play an instrumental role in advancing this agenda. The Balochistan Food Authority has established itself as a proactive public-sector organisation dedicated to public health, regularly monitoring and enforcing food safety standards across the province. The BFA, in collaboration with other food regulatory authorities of the country, has the capacity to drive discussions within the National Standards Committee and push for regulations that not only cap iTFA limits in all foods but also provide technical support for a legislative pathways to ban the production and dissemination of PHOs in all food products. The BFA collaboration with other provincial food authorities can make a case for uniform, nationwide iTFA limits and a PHO ban, creating a framework that aligns regulations across provinces and reduces compliance loopholes.

Additionally, the authorities could build collaborations with health experts and civil society organisations, ensuring the adoption of evidence-based decision-making. Public education on the issue is of critical importance. For this purpose, the Balochistan Food Authority routinely conducts sessions in schools, colleges, universities and in-house public gatherings as part of awareness campaigns on food safety standards, hygiene practices and iTFAs. Demonstrating existing practical and healthier options can further encourage producers and consumers to make safer choices, gathering more support for a comprehensive iTFA policy.

The road to a trans-fats-free Pakistan requires commitment from all stakeholders: policymakers, provincial food authorities, food manufacturers and the public. While initial regulatory steps have been taken, a robust legislative framework that includes a PHO ban is essential to fully protect public health.

With an informed, consistent strategy and the active support of bodies like the Balochistan Food Authority, Pakistan can set a positive example, showing that effective regulation is possible in the face of complex public health challenges. Building on the ongoing support by public health advocates, such as those engaged with the TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign of the Pakistan Youth Change Advocates can continue supporting this journey by raising awareness and rallying stakeholders around the need for a hybrid approach.

There is an opportunity now to establish Pakistan as a leader in food safety and public health across the region. By championing a stronger policy that combines iTFA regulatory limits with a legislative PHO ban, Pakistan can move decisively towards a healthier, trans-fats-free future. The path forward demands collaboration among regulatory authorities, clear legislative action and public advocacy. The rewards is immense — a nation where nutritious, safe food is accessible to all, and where public health is prioritised.

The writer is the director (technical) at Balochistan Food Authority