Indonesia Aims for Regulations to Ban Harmful Trans Fats
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has called for regulations to eliminate partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from food, citing their role as the main source of harmful trans fatty acids (TFAs). Director of non-communicable disease prevention, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, reportedly stated that industrial TFAs increase risks of heart attacks and coronary heart disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which suggested either restricting trans fat levels or banning PHOs entirely, including their production, import, and use, recommends limiting trans fats in food to under 2g per 100g of total fat. A recent WHO study found 10% of tested Indonesian food products exceed safe trans fat levels. The government sees this move as essential to protecting public health.
Indonesia plans to phase in policies starting with a ban on PHO imports. However, challenges persist for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) reliant on PHOs. Coordination between ministries will aim to mitigate economic impacts.
BPOM, Indonesia’s food regulatory agency, supports the initiative and is working with the WHO to strengthen existing rules.
Source: Antara
Category: Community
