Denmark ahead in regulation of trans fatty acids in foods

From the beginning of June this year Denmark will become the first country in the world to introduce restrictions on the use of industrially produced trans fatty acids. The move follows an extensive review of all current knowledge on the impact of trans fatty acids on health.

Over a number of years, the Danish Nutrition Council reviewed all available research on these potentially harmful fatty acids, concluding that to a large extent they are responsible for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Trans fatty acids are also believed to have an impact on the weight of the foetus and the development of geriatric diabetes (Type 2 diabetes), reports the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.

So persuasive was the evidence, that the Danish government has introduced restrictions on the use of industrially produced trans fatty acids.
“The information that has now been documented about the harmful effects of trans fatty acids means that Denmark finds it necessary to introduce regulations of the content of trans fatty acids in our foods.

It is my hope that we will soon see EU regulation in this field. The next step should be common low EU limit values for trans fatty acids,” said Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Mariann Fischer Boel.

From June 1st, 2003, oils and fat will be forbidden on the Danish market if these contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent. From December 31st, 2003, the restriction will also apply to oils and fats in processed foods. The new limit values will apply to both Danish and foreign manufactured products.

The issue of trans fatty acids is a heated one, with consumer organisations on both sides of the Atlantic pushing for tougher legislations.

For further information:

Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries – read the Minister’s paper: www.fvm.dk/ministeren_taler.asp?artikelid=2087
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