Lok Sabha Question No. 76 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-23
Subject: Limits of Trans Fat in Food Items
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Jagdambika Pal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.76 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23 RD JULY , 2021

## LIMITS OF TRANS FAT IN FOOD ITEMS

## *76. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has reduced the permitted limits of trans fats food items, if so, the details and reasons thereof;
- (b)  whether  any  consultations  or  research  studies have  been  carried  out  for reducing the prescribed limit of trans fats in food items, if so, the details and findings thereof;
- (c) the details of the expected benefits of reducing the prescribed limit of trans fats in food items; and
- (d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to ensure that reduction in prescribed limit of trans fats in ood items does not lead to the usage of other harmfulmaterials or preservatives in food products by the food producers?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SHRI MAN SUKH MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table  of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 76 FOR 2 3 RD JULY, 2021

…..

(a) The  Food  Safety  and  Standards  (Food  Products  Standards  and  Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 of Food Safety and Standards Authority of I (FSSAI),  prescribed  the  limit  of  trans  fat  content  in Va aspati,  Bakery shortenings, Bakery and industrial margarin e, Interesterified vegetable fats/oils, Refined  Vegetable  Oil,  Partially  Hydrogenated  Soybean  Oil,  Tabl Margarine, Mixed Fat Spread and Vegetable Fat Spread to be not more than 5% by weight.

Through  an  amendment  in  Food  Safety  and  Standards  (Food  Product s Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 notified on 29.12.2020, above mentioned limit of trans fat content has been reducedto not more than 2% by weight in a phased manner by 2022 (not more than 3% by weight, on and from  1 st January,  2021 and  not  more  than  2%  by  weight,  on  and  from 1 st January, 2022)

The enforcement for the limit of trans fat of 3% by weight and 2% weight is for the products manufactured on or after 01.04.2021 and 01.01. respectively.

Further,  the  limit  of  industr ial  trans - fat  in  processed  food  products manufactured on or after 01.01.2022 to be not more than 2% by weight (of total oils/fats present in the Food products) in which edible oils and fat as an ingredient, has been notified on 02.02.2021 in Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions On Sales) Regulations, 2011.

(b) The limit of trans fats was recommended by the Scientific Panel after consultations  with  stakeholders  such  as  Consumer Organizations,  Industry Associations, Research Institutions etc. The recommendations of the Panel were approved by the Scientific Committee and eventually by the Food Authority.

(c) As  reported  by  World  Health Organization (WHO),  increased  intake  of Trans  fats (>1%  of  total  energy  intake)  is  associated  w ith  increased  risk  of coronary  heart  disease  (CHD)  events  and  mortality  and  more  than  5,00,0 deaths  in  2010  were  attributed  globally  to  increased  intake  of  trans R educing the limits of trans fats in edible oils and fats and in process wherein  oil/fats reused  will  minimize  the  negative  health  impact  on  human health which may be caused due to increased intake to trans fats.

(d) Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards & Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 prescribe list of permitted additives, and limits ther can  be  added  in  a  given  food  product.    All  Food  Business  Operators mandated to ensure adherence to these provisions.

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