Enforce regulations on trans fats soon

Speakers at a programme on Thursday urged the government to implement the regulations on limiting trans fats in foods immediately.
They demanded the speedy implementation of ‘Limiting Trans Fatty Acid in Food Stuffs Regulations 2021’.     
People from different walks of life put forward the suggestion at a human chain organised virtually on Facebook by PROGGA, marking the National Food Safety Day.
All the participants in the virtual human chain shared their pictures simultaneously on Facebook, holding placards, festoons and posters relating to the matter.  
According to the PROGGA, a non-government organisation, excessive amount of trans fats in the food increases the risk of heart disease and premature deaths caused by the disease.
The main source of trans fats is Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO), which is also known as Dalda or Banaspati Ghee. Generally, Dalda is used in preparing baked foods, processed foods, and fried snacks, as well as in preparing foods by restaurants and street food vendors.
Globally, almost 500,000 people die every year due to trans fats-induced heart diseases.  According to the WHO report on Global Trans-fat Elimination 2022, 43 countries, including neighboring India, have implemented best-practice policies for tackling trans fats in food.
Executive Director of PROGGA ABM Zubair said, “We appreciate and thank the government for passing the trans fats limiting regulations. However, although this regulation was supposed to be implemented from January 2023, no progress has been noticed so far in this regard.”
He said the longer the government will take time to implement the regulations, the more the risk of heart disease and deaths from trans fats will increase.