WRITTEN QUESTION P-3109/03 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission. Hydrogenated fats.
Date: 2003-10-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: cardiovascular disease, consumer information, disease prevention, food fat, food hygiene, food safety, food technology, foodstuffs legislation

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/501

(2004/C 84 E/0578)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3109/03

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(17 October 2003)

Subject: Hydrogenated fats

In view of reservations expressed regarding the safety of hydrogenated fats, is the Commission prepared to
launch an initiative which would see the potential health risk of hydrogenated fats being clearly indicated
on product labelling? Furthermore, has any consideration been given to the outright ban of this substance?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2003)

Hydrogenation enables vegetable and animal oils to be transformed into solid fat, also making it saturated.
The result of the hydrogenation process, together with other practices such as the de-odorisation process
of oils and fats, is a change in the shape of fat molecules. Therefore, the natural configuration of the fatty
acids molecules, known as cis configuration, very often changes into a different one, known as trans
configuration. The above practices, which are used for many product applications, may lead to
unacceptable amounts of trans fatty acids.

It is known that high intakes of certain saturated fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of
coronary heart disease. Recently, reservations have also been expressed regarding trans fatty acids in the
diet. Consequently, the Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to evaluate the
evidence on the effect on health of trans fatty acids and how the effect, if any, compares to the effect on
health of other types of fatty acids in the diet. The EFSA has been asked to provide a scientific opinion by
the end of May 2004.

Regarding the labelling of foods, Directive 2000/13/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 March
2000 on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (1) indicates that when a food contains
hydrogenated oils or fats the description ‘hydrogenated’ must accompany the indication of a hydrogenated
oil or fat in the labelling of the food. Council Directive 90/496/EC of 24 September 1990 on nutrition
labelling for foodstuffs (2) includes the possibility for the declaration of the saturated fatty acids in the
nutrition labelling. The question of the inclusion or not of trans fatty acids in the nutrition labelling on
foods is being considered within the context of an ongoing review of Directive 90/496/EC.

(1) OJ L 109, 6.5.2000.
(2) OJ L 276, 6.10.1990.

(2004/C 84 E/0579)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3170/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Problems regarding the Attica suburban railway project

(27 October 2003)

Great concern is being expressed in Greece regarding progress made by the suburban railway project with
numerous reports recently appearing in the Greek press describing the situation as extremely serious. It is
regarded as unlikely that the project will be completed in time for the Olympic Games. In particular, the
Doukissi Plakentia (cid:1) Olympic Stadium section is a very long way behind schedule because of work being
carried out simultaneously on the Attica Highway and the metro. Serious problems are arising regarding
the Neratziotissa station where the suburban line will meet the HSAP electric line, designs having failed to
take account of the Attica Highway running below the station, which is now creating major construction
problems.