Thailand Finalizes Draft Notification on Trans Fat Ban

The Thai Ministry of Public Health’s Draft Notification on the proposed ban of hydrogenated oils, including trans fat, is currently being finalised by a sub-committee after the public consultation period ended on December 31.  As it is still being finalized, details of legislation, including specifics regarding acceptable amounts of trans fats, whether total elimination or a certain permissible percentage, have yet to be announced. 

The Thai government recently announced its plan to ban trans fats due its link to ailments such as coronary artery disease.  This prohibition of trans fats would significantly impact suppliers of hydrogenated oils and products containing trans fat, and push cooking oil producers, food manufacturers as well as restaurants to reformulate their products. “The ban of partially hydrogenated oil in foods will impact the food industry from upstream, oil and raw material, to downstream process, for example, doughnuts, fried products, snacks and so on,” said Alan Adcock, partner and deputy director of Intellectual Property, Tilleke & Gibbins.   
   
Adcock said the Thai food industry will need to comply with the Notification “in whatever form that may ultimately be upon promulgation, likely by formulation changes” to ensure that products meet the new requirement.  “Testing for trans fats may likely become a mandatory test for food manufacturers,” he said.  However, he added that it is still a question whether naturally-occurring trans fat will be allowed under the Notification.