Proposed European regulation sets limits of trans fats allowed in foods
The European Commission has introduced proposed legislation to set a maximum limit of trans fats allowed in foods to 2 g per 100 g of fat.
The European Commission has introduced proposed legislation to set a maximum limit of trans fats allowed in foods to 2 g per 100 g of fat. Some European Union (EU) member states had regulations around trans fats in place, but this is the first EU-wide legislation proposed. The United States and Canada have already introduced varying legislations to limit the potentially harmful ingredient.
The legislation comes as a follow-up to the report adopted in 2015 and of discussions with stakeholders (i.e., nongovernmental organizations and industry), which have been taking place since. The proposal is also based on a number of scientific studies, such as the recent one from the European Food Safety Authority that stresses that dietary intakes of trans fatty acids should be as low as possible in order to avoid health risks.
Despite health warnings in some Central and Southern European countries, industrial trans fats levels in pre-packaged biscuits, cakes, and wafers have not dropped meaningfully since mid-2000. “For many years now, scientific studies have shown that a high intake of trans fats undoubtedly increases the risk of heart disease. With the proposed Regulation, the Commission acts on its commitment to deliver on the matter,” said Vytenis Andriukaitis, EC commissioner of health and food safety.
Stakeholders can submit their comments to the proposed legislation during a four-week feedback period. It will go the World Trade Organization first and then to the European parliament and EU member states. The transition period will start after final adoption of the act by member states and the parliament and end in April 2021.