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News & Events
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Trans fatty acid law in Denmark boosts product developments
Denmark has the strictest legislation in the world on the use of industrially produced trans fatty acids. Since January this year, oils and fats in processed foods are forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent.
Trans fatty acids has in a number of research reports been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. The unhealthy substance, also known as trans fat, is made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils. Hydrogenation solidifies liquid oils and increases the shelf life and the flavour stability of oils and foods that contain them. Trans fat is found in vegetable shortenings and in some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods and other foods.
Last year, the Danish Government decided to impose restrictions on the use of industrially produced trans fatty acids. The decision was based on the report “trans fat” published by the Danish Nutrition Council. The feared trade hindering effect has not taken place. Instead the large food companies have prepared for the future developments in the health area and changed the formulations for products for the Nordic market.
Irene Brustad, quality manager at Nestlé Nordic, says: “Since Denmark is part of the Nordic region, we have extended the Danish standard to cover all products for the Nordic market. It has been a challenge for us, but I am not aware of any product we have had to withdraw because of the trans-fatty acid law.”
Since then the global debate on trans fat has increased. In EU the EFSA (European Food Safety) is considering the Danish model, and Canada is likely to follow within short.
Source:
Børsen – www.borsen.dk
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