Current status of legislative regulation of the content of trans-isomers of fatty acids in food products in Ukraine and worldwide (review)
Authors: Kravchuk O.P. , Balan G.M. , Koval A.V. , Adamchuk T.V. , Yevtushenko T.V. , Hreben M.V. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract. The influence of fats and oils on human health is in constant attention of leading experts in the field of public health, of both national and international institutions. This is especially true concerning industrially obtained trans fats and their regulation. Currently, in Ukraine, the requirements for the content of trans fatty acids in food products are regulated by documents of two levels. Firstly, the requirements for the content of trans fatty acids in certain types of oil and fat products are set out in the national standards (DSTU), which are do not cover the entire range of fat-containing products. Secondly, a norm on limiting the amount of trans fatty acids in food products was adopted in Section V of the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated July 16, 2020 No. 1613 “On Approval of the Rules for Adding Vitamins, Mineral Substances and Certain Other Substances to Food Products”, which is harmonized with European legislation, but this norm will be valid only three years after the entry of this order into force in 2023.
Aim. To review the scientific literature on the effects of trans fats on human health. To study and generalize the approaches to limiting the consumption of trans fatty acids in different countries of Europe and world. To compare international and Ukrainian legislation on the regulation of trans fatty acids in food products.
Materials and Methods. The article uses information based on the materials of FAO/WHO experts, on legislation regulating trans fatty acids in food products, as well as on publications of foreign and Ukrainian scientists. The results of our own studies of the content of trans fats in some foods were compared with data obtained in other countries.
Results and Conclusions. Summarizing the results of numerous studies convincingly prove the relationship between the consumption of industrial trans fats with the risk of occurrence or exacerbation of existing nutritional diseases. Best practice policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids from national food stocks have been introduced in more than forty countries around the world. In Ukraine, food restrictions on the amount of trans fatty acids, which are not trans fatty acids naturally found in fats of animal origin, at a level of no more than 2 %, came into force in September 2023. In this regard, we consider it necessary to apply large-scale educational campaigns of a high scientific level in the media regarding the harmful effects of trans fats on the biological systems of the human body. In addition, we recommend the introduction of state programs in the field of dietary regulation into the practice of general educational institutions, contributing to a conscious and responsible approach to the transition to a healthy diet, which will contribute to a gradual increase in the life expectancy of the population of our country.
Keywords: trans fatty acid isomers, public health, harmonization, review.