Policy recommendations to address fat intake

Ban or virtually eliminate trans fats from the food supply, with a view to making the European Region trans-fat-free' – a  generalised ban would eliminate the concern about potential high TFA intakes in the most vulnerable groups; however care should be taken that the removal of TFA results in improved nutritional quality, e.g. no increase of SFA.

'Limit saturated fatty acids and eliminate industrially produced trans fats in foods' and replace them with unsaturated fatty acids.

Develop national standards

• to limit the use of palm and coconut oil in the food industry.

• ensure lower SFA content of dairy products.

In 2018, WHO released a step-by-step guide (REPLACE) for elimination of iTFAs across the global food chain, containing six strategic actions, including introduction of legislation to eliminate iTFAs as well as the necessary enforcement measures.

A European Commission report to the European Parliament suggests that 'a legal limit for industrial TFA content would be the most effective measure in terms of public health, consumer protection and compatibility with the internal market'.

'Legislation on composition of foods to reduce energy density, salt and saturated fat, and (added) sugar content of foods and beverages, and to limit portion sizes is recommended'.

'Elimination of industrially produced trans fats is recommended'.

Ensure semi-skimmed (1.0-1.8% fat) milk is sold to consumers at a lower price than full cream milk.

'Reconsider policies to assist the production of fats and oils so that varieties with lower SFA content are made more economically viable'.

'Reconsider social support policies (e.g. subsidies to food purchases) to favour oils and fats with low SFA'.

'Consider establishing a differential taxation system so that the consumer price of products with a reduced SFA content is lower than the same products with a higher SFA content'.

Limit import of palm oil by changing import duties.

'Taxes on foods and beverages rich in sugar and saturated fat, and on alcoholic drinks are recommended'.

'Develop policy measures that engage food retailers and caterers to improve the availability, affordability and acceptability of healthier food products […] with reduced content of […] saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids'.

Promote the implementation of the WHO Set of Recommendations on the Marketing of Foods and Non-alcoholic Beverages to Children, including foods that are high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids…'.

'Adopt strong measures that reduce the overall impact on children of all forms of marketing of foods high in energy, saturated fats, trans fats, sugar or salt'.

Ensure that government establishments provide only semi-skimmed (1.0–1.8% fat) milk, and foods purchased by them comply with SFA content standards.

'Negotiate and review standards for livestock to reduce SFA content of meats through changes in feed and husbandry systems'.

'Study measures to favour import of fats, oils and processed foods containing less SFA over import of such items with higher SFA content'.

'Negotiate and review standards for vegetable oils and ghee such that total SFA content is less than 10%'.

Encourage replacement of high SFA palm and coconut oils with oils such as corn, soya, olive or sunflower oils, e.g. in  government subsidy schemes.

'Legislation restricting marketing aimed at children of foods that are high in fats, sugar and/or salt, less healthy options, junk foods, drinks with alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages rich in sugar (e.g. on TV, internet, social media and on food packages) is recommended'.

'Establish mandatory labelling schemes for SFA content that are easily understandable for most consumers (e.g. traffic light system) and/or consider the establishment of a 'low SFA' label'.

'Adequately inform consumers of the importance of reduction of SFA in diets and of the measures taken to support these goals, and engage civil society organizations in supporting the measures taken'.

In 2018, WHO released a step-by-step guide (REPLACE) for elimination of iTFAs across the global food chain, containing six strategic actions, including create awareness of iTFA health impacts among policy makers, food suppliers and the general public.

In 2018, WHO released a step-by-step guide (REPLACE) for elimination of iTFAs across the global food chain, containing six strategic actions, including:

• Review dietary resources of iTFAs.

• Assess and monitor TFA content in the food supply.