From Denmark to Delhi: the multisectoral challenge of regulatingtransfats in India

Abstract

Objective: India has proposed legislating an upper limit of trans fat in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and mandating trans fat labelling in an effort to reduce intakes. The objective of the present study was to examine the complexities of regulating trans fat in India by examining the policy processes involved and the perceived implementation challenges. Design: Semi-structured interviews (n 18) were conducted with key informants from various sectors. Interviewees were asked about sources of trans fat in the food supply, existing policies that may influence trans fats and perceived challenges related to the proposed trans fat regulation, in addition to questions tailored to their area of expertise. Interview data were organised based on common themes. Setting: Interviews were conducted in India. Subjects: Interviewees were key informants from various sectors including agriculture, trade, industry and health. Results: Several themes were identified related to the complexity of regulating trans fat in India. A lack of trans fat awareness, the large unorganised retail sector, a need for suitable alternative products that are both acceptable to consumers and affordable, and a need to build capacity were crucial factors affecting India's ability to successfully regulate trans fat. The limited number of food inspectors will create an additional challenge in terms of enforcement of trans fat regulation. Conclusions: Although India will face challenges in regulating trans fat, legislating an upper limit of trans fat in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils will likely be the most effective approach to reducing it in the food supply. Ongoing engagement with industry, agriculture, trade and processing sectors will prove essential in terms of product reformulation.

The effectiveness of policies for reducing dietary trans fat: a systematic review of the evidence

“…However, many large fast-food companies do provide information on the TFA content of their foods, either in store or on their web sites. Moreover, in many lowand middle-income countries, the main source of TFAs is food purchased from street vendors and the unorganised food sector rather than pre-packaged food, 2,40,41 which may further limit the effectiveness of labelling regulation.…”

“…For example, Argentina was able to shift production to high-oleic sunflower oil to aid product reformulation, whereas similar changes may be more difficult in countries such as India that rely heavily on imports. 41,42 a Studies conducted in the United States of America classified foods with a TFA content < 0.5 g per serving as TFA-free, whereas other countries used a limit of 0.2 g per serving. In Canada, there was the additional requirement that ≤ 15% of dietary energy intake should come from TFAs and saturated fatty acids combined.…”

Prevention of childhood obesity and food policies in Latin America: from research to practice

“…Although research on TFA intake during childhood is still limited , dietary risk factors track from childhood to adulthood so modifying those factors early in life is expected to prevent CHD later on . Policies that require removing industrial TFAs and replacing them with polyunsaturated fats exist in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, India and Mexico . This case study describes the role of evidence in the decision to significantly reduce TFAs from the food supply in Argentina, a policy that is likely to improve the cardiovascular health of children and adults alike.…”

The Contribution of Modern Margarine and Fat Spreads to Dietary Fat Intake

“…To put this into context, estimates suggest that TFA intake in the U.S. runs at about 2.5% of total energy, although in this case, the data derive from 2003 to 2006, suggesting this might not be the case 10 y from now (Doell and others ; Kris‐Etherton and others ). Indeed, in India and the Caribbean area the situation appears to be worse with suggestions that TFA intake are considerable (Monge‐Rojas and others ; Downs and others ). Australia and New Zealand meanwhile have achieved TFA intake rates of below 1% following a nonregulatory approach to reduce the level of TFAs in their food supply.…”