Turkey to Eliminate Trans-Fat in Food Supply

Turkey is seeking to eliminate trans-fat in its food supply with new regulation that may allow trans-fat in food provided it accounts for no more than 2g per 100g of fat. The regulation will apply to all foods intended for the final consumer and for supply to retail including bakery, confectionery, ready to eat meals and ice cream.  

The move is line with the World Health Organization (WHO) goal in eliminating trans-fat from the global food supply by 2023. WHO said, diets high in trans-fat are known to increase the risk of heart disease and premature death.  In Turkey, 36.6% of all deaths were associated to cardiovascular diseases.

Omar Lechuga, research and development director of Middle East, North Africa, Turkey at Kerry told FoodNavigator-Asia that limiting and eventually eliminating trans-fat in food was the right thing to do, aware of its impact on heart health.  As Turkey is part of the WHO European Region which includes members of the EU, implementing the new regulation will bring this region closer to becoming the first to turn trans-fat free.  According to a statement from the Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, manufacturers must comply by December 31, 2020.