Growing Health Crisis as Trans Fats Slip Through Regulatory Gaps

Sep 1 , 2024

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Ethiopia is confronting a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. These are ailments driven by shifts in lifestyle, including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. While the government has launched commendable initiatives — promoting physical activities, implementing a sin tax, and banning public smoking — a critical issue remains insufficiently addressed.

The control of industrially produced trans fats (iTFA), unnatural chemicals used to prolong the shelf life of processed foods, is increasingly linked to a rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and other NCDs. Despite their severe health risks, trans fats remain unregulated and commonly found in everyday food items. For medical professionals, heart disease cases often reveal blockages caused by trans fats as a factor, causing the urgency for intervention.

Trans fats are particularly insidious because they alter cholesterol levels by increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, while impairing the function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol. This imbalance enables plaque buildup in arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats offer no added nutritional value and are used solely for convenience and shelf-life extension in food products.

Eliminating industrially produced trans fats from the international food supply chain is widely regarded as a "low-hanging fruit" in the battle against NCDs. It has the potential to prevent up to 17 million deaths globally by 2040. The World Health Organization (WHO) has spearheaded global efforts to eradicate trans fats through its "REPLACE" initiative, launched in 2018.

The program provides a roadmap for countries to implement effective measures to reduce and eliminate trans fats from their food supplies. Critical components of this framework include reviewing the current status of trans fats in the food supply, evaluating the feasibility of bans or limits, labelling pre-packaged foods with trans fat content, restricting their use in food production, raising public awareness about the health risks, and enforcing regulations through robust monitoring mechanisms.

Many countries have made progress in eliminating trans fats, but Ethiopia continues to face problems. Although awareness of the need to address iTFA is growing, existing policies often lack specific implementation strategies and effective enforcement mechanisms. A large segment of Ethiopian consumers remains unaware of the severe health risks associated with iTFA, complicating efforts to promote healthier dietary choices.

Addressing the issue of trans fats requires a concerted effort among government agencies, health organisations, food manufacturers, and civil society. To effectively address the problem, the authorities could strengthen policy frameworks by implementing comprehensive regulations that limit or ban the use of iTFA in food products. This effort requires unambiguous enforcement mechanisms, sufficient resources, and training for regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.

Supporting research and monitoring efforts is also essential. Ethiopia should invest in research to monitor iTFA levels in food products and assess the effectiveness of intervention measures. Establishing surveillance systems to track trends in iTFA consumption and related health outcomes could provide valuable insights. Collaborating with academic institutions and research organisations can strengthen the evidence base for informed policy decisions.

Public awareness is equally crucial. Targeted public education campaigns are necessary to inform consumers about the health risks of iTFA. These campaigns should use various communication channels and engage schools, community organisations, and healthcare providers to deliver educational messages effectively. Such efforts would help to shift consumer behaviour toward healthier dietary choices, reducing the demand for trans-fat-laden products.

Federal health officials can draw lessons from countries like India, South Africa, and Nigeria, which have made important progress in addressing industrially produced trans fats. For example, India successfully banned partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary source of iTFA, and implemented strict enforcement measures to ensure compliance. Similarly, South Africa and Nigeria have introduced effective policy measures to eliminate trans fats from their food supplies. By adopting similar approaches, Ethiopian authorities can make substantial progress in removing trans fats and reducing the burden of diet-related NCDs.

Eliminating it is a necessary step toward improving public health. Through comprehensive policies, enhanced public awareness, and collaborative efforts, the authorities can secure a healthier future for their population and contribute meaningfully to the global fight against non-communicable diseases. The road ahead demands rigorous enforcement, dedicated resources, and a shared societal commitment. Still, the potential rewards — a substantial reduction in the prevalence of heart disease and other NCDs — are well worth the effort.

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PUBLISHED ON Sep 01,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1270]

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