Experts Sound Alarm on Health Risks of Trans-Fatty Acids in Pakistan
Experts in Pakistan are urging immediate action to regulate trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in the country, warning of the serious health risks associated with these harmful substances. Highlighting the urgency to address the issue, the launch of the TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign in Islamabad emphasized the detrimental impact of TFAs on human health.
TFAs are unsaturated fatty acids that are predominantly formed during the hydrogenation process, which converts liquid oils into solid fats. These compounds have been proven to increase levels of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as bad cholesterol, while reducing HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol. This leads to an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, TFAs have also been linked to a range of other ailments.
The TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign, spearheaded by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA), and the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), aims to combat the negative effects of TFAs on public health in Pakistan. Their goal is to establish a mandatory national limit of 2 grams of industrially produced TFA per 100 grams of total fat in all foods.
Pakistan currently ranks second in the WHO-EMRO region for TFA consumption, highlighting the pressing need for action. The lack of effective TFA regulations has contributed significantly to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. Heart disease and stroke are among the top causes of death in Pakistan, with diabetes also on the rise. In 2021 alone, approximately $2640 million was spent on diabetes management, and projections indicate that by 2045, 62 million Pakistanis could be living with the condition. The economic cost of obesity was estimated at PKR 428 billion in 2015.
Dr. Khawaja Masuood Ahmed, National Health Coordinator Nutrition and National Fortification Alliance at the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C), emphasized the importance of implementing best policy practices to eliminate TFAs from the food supply. While some progress has been made in setting TFA limits by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, there are still many products, such as salty snacks, desserts, street foods, chocolates, and confectionaries, that are potential high sources of industrial TFAs but remain unregulated.
The Pakistani government is exploring various avenues to promote a healthier nation, including setting mandatory TFA limits in line with WHO guidelines, implementing compulsory front-of-pack labeling on ultra-processed foods, promoting healthier alternatives, and raising awareness. Senator Fawzia Arshad pledged full legislative support for the regulation and eventual elimination of trans-fats from dietary sources in Pakistan.
Numerous scientific studies provide compelling evidence of the need for immediate action. Dr. Anjum Jalal, Executive Director of the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, highlighted the link between TFAs and serious health concerns, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and infertility.
In closing, Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Executive Director of CPDI, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, legislature, and civil society to overcome policy reform hurdles and generate sufficient demand for regulating trans-fatty acids. This collective effort is crucial for improving public health outcomes and addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.
